to-gypsum-or-not-to-gypsum
I have 10 beds and two have more clay than the others
Any experience on using gypsum ...sold as "Claybreaker ".....to break up clay type soil
Are there vegetables / plants you can use instead
Suggestions please
I have just bought manure
Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
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The best thing for breaking up clay soils is to add a good layer of mulch each year in autumn and winter when most plants are dormant. Mulch can be well rotted alnure, well rotted garden compost, compost bought in from the council heaps or a commercial supplier, shredded paper and cardboard mixed with grass clippings and so on.
Mulching in autumn gives the worms and other soil critters and micro organisms all winter to break it down and mix it up. Don't bother trying to dig it in yourself as this is hard work and can also damage what soil structure and organisms are already there.
When you want to plant, just plant through the mulch and into the clay for deeper rooted specimens such as trees and shrubs and mix the soil up a bit so you don't get a sump which will attract water and drown their roots.
People always used to say potatoes were good for breaking up heavy soils but in fact it's the digging and earthing up and harvesting that does it and you still need mulch to improve the structure permanently.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw