Gypsum Explained
Gypsum: The Hidden Hero for Stronger Soils and Healthier Plants
What is it?
Gypsum is a natural mineral (calcium sulphate) formed when seawater evaporates. In the garden, it’s used to improve soil structure and add calcium - without altering the soil’s pH.
Gypsum as a clay breaker
Clay soils are nutrient-rich but have tightly packed particles, which causes problems: when wet they water-log and suffocate roots, when dry they turn hard and cracked. Gypsum helps by causing clay particles to clump into larger crumbs, making the soil:
- drain better and allow water to move through
- let more air reach plant roots
- become easier to dig and plant in
- soak up water more efficiently, reducing runoff
- allow root systems to expand more easily, improving nutrient access
- become less compacted over time
It also boosts nutrient availability by helping beneficial soil microbes
A gentle calcium supplement
Gypsum also adds calcium — an essential nutrient for plants: it builds strong cell walls, helps move nutrients around, supports enzyme activity for growth, and keeps soil life in balance.
Why gardeners love gypsum:
- It adds calcium without changing soil pH.
- It dissolves easily in water so roots can take it up quickly.
- It’s natural, safe, and suitable even in organic gardens.
If your soil feels heavy and sticky when wet, or hard and cracked when dry, gypsum could be the simple fix you’ve been looking for. It’s easy to use, eco-friendly, and gives your plants the healthy foundation to thrive.
Rocky Point Activgrow 4kg Fertiliser contained Natural Gypsum
We also sell Richgro’s Natural Gypsum Clay Breaker in a 10kg bag
Another option is Rocky Point’s Premium Potting Mix which also contains Natural Gypsum