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.
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A lush, even, healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident. One of the most effective but often overlooked maintenance tasks is top dressing - applying a thin layer of soil/compost/sand over your existing turf to rejuvenate it. In this post we’ll explore what top dressing is, why it’s beneficial,
Australia’s outdoor lifestyle is thriving - and so is the trend of transforming backyards into stylish, functional, and low-maintenance spaces. With a bit of time, creativity and effort, you can turn even an ordinary backyard into a sanctuary. Here are some of the key trends and how you can DIY them.
Stay cool and keep your garden thriving this summer in Brisbane
Summer in Brisbane brings high temperatures, strong sun and lots of evaporation from the soil. I’ve learnt that the right mulch makes a huge difference - and lucky for you, we stock a great range of options that work for our local beds and climate.
Meet Jess: Our Social Media Queen at Steve Jones Hardware & Landscape Centre
At Steve Jones Hardware & Landscape Centre in Everton Hills, we're not just about quality products and expert advice, we're about community. One of our cherished team members is Jess, our Social Media Manager. Since joining us, Jess has taken our online presence to new heights
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