"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 12:57:08 +0000,
(Jim W) wrote:


Actually Gypsum is better and I believe is what you are thinking of,..
It will alter the pH in a similar way to lime but also helps the soil to
'crumb'

Sorry Jim, but gypsum is mildly acidic, while 'lime' (whether
carbonate*, oxide or hydroxide) is alkaline. Gypsum is the better
option for treating clay soil if you want to grow acid-loving plants
such as rhododendrons, azaleas etc. afterwards.

Much cheaper than Claybreaker is a bag or two of plaster from your
local builder's merchant or d-i-y store. Basically the same stuff and
does the same job.

But disperse it well, or mix it with plenty of dry soil before applying it,
otherwise it will set in large lumps when it gets wet.

[snip]

Franz