Thread: fert going bad?
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Old 07-15-2008, 03:22 AM   #14 (permalink)
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Default Re: fert going bad?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chironex View Post
Speaking of gypsum, I just planted a Basjoo in the ground, along with a couple of cannas at my son's house. The soil had a heavy clay content, so I poured about a pound of granular (gravel sized) organic gypsum into the bottom of the holes before putting the plants int the ground and filling with compost. Any other suggestions, or have I done ok? I remember reading that gypsum helps break up the clay soils somewhat.
If you have any gypsum left over it would be good to go ahead and spread it around the rest of the soil further out from the plants. Treat the entire area not just the planting hole. Gypsum works but not quickly. It will take 6 months or more for any improvement and may take 2 or 3 years or more for good improvement. Treat it at least once a year when you're using granular gypsum. If the area between the planting holes is lawn grass then it would be a good idea to run a lawn aerator over the area first before applying the gypsum, and put gypsum granules into the holes the aerator makes. If the area is not lawn grass and is just garden soil and/or mulch then just incorporate the gypsum into the soil or mulch. This will be more effective than putting gypsum only in the bottom of the planting holes
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