When you struggle with clay soil or sodic (high sodium) soil, gypsum is an effective means of amending and improving the soil. Gypsum (calcium sulphate) is not a fertilizer, but rather it is a soil amendment that will attach to the particles in soil and loosen heavy soil over time. Beca...
If you're willing to do a little work, you can still transform clay soil into a healthy, life-giving soil that will be great for all sorts of plants and even vegetables. It's what we call soil amending. So grab your supplies and tools, and you can start working on this in the wee...
Gardeners and farmers often add gypsum to soil to fix clay soils. Often, the immediate recommendation of garden centers is to add gypsum to your soil. However, you need to make sure it’s right for your garden. The effects of gypsum in soil to break apart the clay granules are short-te...
Gypsum, also known as soil buster, is a natural mineral composed of calcium sulfate that is used to break up clay soils. It is effective and worthwhile applying where soil salts are high (arid and coastal regions of the U.S.), southeastern U.S, and agricultural areas. However, its effec...
Liquid lawn aerators are easier to apply, but take longer to yield results, but ultimately they do work and perform as advertised. Turf Titan Thatch Buster is a good liquid aerator to try. Does Gypsum help with compacted soil? There are some resources that recommend adding gypsum to your la...
Work the soil to about 8 inches deep then rake it smooth. Heavy clay soil can be lightened with the addition of aged compost, sand, and perlite. Add sand or gypsum to heavy, clay soil or prepare beds by planting green manure and working it into the beds the season before seeding. Add...
To add gypsum or limestone to your soil, spread it evenly over the top layer or mix it into the soil before potting new plants. “To prevent calcium deficiency, I recommend amending the soil with limestone or gypsum, which are natural sources of calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate, respecti...
If the soil pH is lower than 6, the soil is acidic. Amend it with something like lime to raise the pH. If the pH is too alkaline at 7.5 pH or higher, add gypsum or a product recommended by a local garden center since soil composition varies from one region to another. To eliminate...
If your soil is heavy and clay-like, you’ll probably want to invest in raised garden beds. It will be difficult for many plant roots to grow deep in dense clay soil. How to test soil You can conduct a DIY soil test at home or have your local Cooperative Extension Office take a loo...
To achieve this goal, add compost or other organic materials to your soil to improve its structure, increase microorganism counts and boost nutrient content. Gypsum amendment can also be beneficial in loosening heavy clay soils while helping sandy or silty ones retain moisture more effectively. ...