If you have a clay-type of soil or other hard pan soil that is compacted and has poor drainage, you will have difficulty growing most types of plants. While the many varieties of plants, shrubs and trees all have their own preferred soil and growing conditions, not many will thrive in a boggy soil that does not drain. Gypsum is a material that is effective in breaking up this hard pan and loosening the soil structure. You may find that it is the right solution for amending the soil in your yard.
Instructions
1. Use granular grade gypsum from a nursery or garden center. It is usually sold in 50 or 80 lb. bags.
2. Apply gypsum to your existing lawn at a rate of 40 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft. using a drop spreader. Water the lawn deeply and immediately to get the gypsum down to the soil level.
3. Apply gypsum just once a year. You can make major changes to the soil by using gypsum if need be, but it should be done over the course of 2 to 3 years in once a year applications.
4. Apply gypsum directly to soil that has yet to be planted in by applying it at a rate of 20 to 30 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft. Use a drop spreader, till the gypsum in to the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Water it well.
5. Apply gypsum to established soil around plants at the 40 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft. rate. When doing this, you can simply broadcast spread it over the soil around the plants and water it in deeply. You will not need to till it into the soil.
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