You should therefore avoid inhalation at all costs.
Contact with the eyes may cause blindness, so always wear safety goggles.
Wearing gloves is also strongly recommended.
Due to its health risks, quicklime is not normally used in agri- or horticulture.
When calcium oxide comes into contact with water, calcium hydrate is formed.
Calcium Hydrate
(Also known as slaked lime, hydrated lime, caustic lime, builders’ lime, pickling lime.)
Calcium hydrate is also corrosive and irritating, which is why you should always take steps to protect your skin and eyes when using it.
In horticulture, it is sometimes used as a fungicide.
Calcium cyanamide is especially dangerous!
Calcium Cyanamide
(Also known as nitrolime.)
Used in agriculture as a fertilizer, calcium cyanamide slowly releases nitrogen (nitrate) into the soil.
In contact with water, cyanamide is formed.
Calcium cyanamide is poisonous and damages fungi and all organisms in the soil, including eggs and young slugs and snails.
Nitrolime is very harmful even to human health.
It is highly corrosive and, especially in combination with alcohol, it can cause severe damage: shortness of breath, dizziness, and damage to the skin.
You should therefore never use it before or after alcohol consumption.
For these reasons, extreme caution is required when handling calcium cyanamide.
If related health issues are suspected, seek medical advice immediately.
Furthermore, it is a hazardous substance that can contaminate ground- and surface-water.
Using lime against slugs.
How to Use Lime Against Slugs and Snails
Sprinkle ordinary garden lime or magnesium lime around your plants and beds to build protective barriers.
The extremely water-absorbing effect should deter all slugs and snails.
Wind and water, however, quickly make the barrier ineffective.
This is why you should also sprinkle threatened plants or beds with a broad, thick ring of lime. A combination of lime and sawdust is possible.
You should ensure that there are no bridges or gaps, otherwise they will be exploited by hungry snails and slugs.
Since the deterrent effect is lost after contact with water, it needs to be spread again after rainfall.
Make sure that you do not overuse lime so that the pH value of the soil does not rise too much.
Some plants are susceptible to changes in pH levels.
When using lime, always wear gloves, respiratory protection, and goggles.
Only by taking these precautions can damage to health be avoided.
During application, the weather needs to be as calm as possible so that the lime does not evaporate in all directions.
If you plan to use calcium cyanamide, make sure that it does not get on plant leaves or seeds because it will damage them.
You should also use it at least three or four weeks before sowing or planting, otherwise it will harm your seeds and plants.
Products must be stored in a safe place so that they are out of the reach of children and pets.
Advantages of Lime
One benefit is the mineralizing effect of calcium carbonate/garden lime.
Lime also allows you to adjust pH levels.
Additionally, if you use lime in your garden, the composting processes in the soil accelerate.
Regarding nitrolime, effectiveness against snails and slugs has been shown.
Disadvantages and Dangers
With the exception of calcium carbonate (garden lime), lime poses significant health risks.
You need to wear protective clothing at all times, and there is a risk to children and pets.
It is not known how effective the products are against snails and slugs.
Protecting beds and single plants requires regular work by subsequent sprinkling and control.
With rain or irrigation, the protective effect of lime is lost, meaning that this method is ineffective when most needed.
Lime also loses its efficiency during damp nights and mornings.
Nitrolime kills not only snails, slugs, and their eggs, but also brings the entire soil life out of balance. It is a dangerous poison.
Using poison in the garden always has harmful side effects.
There are not only health risks, but contamination of the ground and surface waters can also occur.
So, the best thing is not to resort to calcium cyanamide.
Conclusion
Garden lime is effective in getting rid of soil acidity, but it is not a good choice in the fight against slugs and snails.
One thought to “Using Lime in the Garden Against Snails and Slugs”
It’s interesting that lime can help adjust the pH levels as well as accelerate the composting process. I’m wanting to adjust the pH levels and change the acidity in my soil. Looks like I should research the best minerals for this change in my soil.
Advantages of Lime
Disadvantages and Dangers
Conclusion
It’s interesting that lime can help adjust the pH levels as well as accelerate the composting process. I’m wanting to adjust the pH levels and change the acidity in my soil. Looks like I should research the best minerals for this change in my soil.