The Importance of Gypsum in Winter Lawn Care: Why Hough SoilFix is a Must for Healthy Soil and Turf.

As the colder months roll into the Adelaide Hills, it can be tempting to step back from lawn maintenance and wait until spring to take action. But for the truly passionate lawn lovers, winter is not a time to pause—it’s a time to prepare. Beneath your dormant or slow-growing lawn, a vital process continues: your soil is adjusting to cooler temperatures, absorbing moisture, and either setting your lawn up for spring success or quietly compounding existing issues.

One of the smartest things you can do for your lawn in winter? Apply granular gypsum. More specifically, apply Hough SoilFix. This finely ground gypsum is not just another bag on the shelf; it's an expertly formulated solution for improving soil health, correcting imbalances, and setting the stage for lush, vibrant turf once the warmer months return.

Understanding the Role of Soil in Lawn Health.

Before we dive into what gypsum does, it’s important to understand why soil matters so much — especially in winter. Your soil is the foundation of your entire lawn. It’s where roots grow, where nutrients are stored and accessed, and where the interactions between air, water, and organic matter occur.

In winter, while your grass may grow slower or even go dormant, microbial life below the surface continues. Nutrients are still cycling. Roots are still growing — albeit more slowly — and your soil structure is either helping or hindering those processes. That’s why it’s crucial to support your soil even during the months when your lawn appears to be asleep.

What is Gypsum and How Does it Work?

Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral made up of calcium and sulphur, specifically calcium sulphate dihydrate. It's been used for centuries in agriculture to improve soil quality. But not all gypsum is created equal.

Hough SoilFix is a premium granular gypsum product that is finely ground and designed to break down quickly after watering. This ensures fast and even distribution through your lawn. Unlike some other soil conditioners, it’s easy to apply, dissolves well, and doesn’t require complicated mixing or application equipment.

Here’s how it works:

• Calcium in the gypsum displaces sodium and magnesium in the soil.

• This helps to break apart compacted soil particles, improving soil structure.

• Water and air can now penetrate the soil more easily.

• Roots have more room to grow and access nutrients.

• The sulphur component contributes to nutrient uptake and soil health.

The Winter Challenge: Compaction, Drainage & Inactivity.

During winter, especially in regions like the Adelaide Hills where clay soils are common, compaction becomes a serious issue. Wet, heavy soils are easily compressed, especially in high-traffic areas or where drainage is poor.

This leads to:

• Shallow root systems

• Reduced oxygen availability

• Poor drainage and water-logging

• Nutrient tie-up, where nutrients exist in the soil but can't be accessed by roots.

Hough SoilFix directly addresses these challenges by working beneath the surface. As a granular product, it can be broadcast easily with a spreader and watered in to begin work immediately. It loosens the soil and improves permeability, allowing your lawn to breathe and absorb moisture properly — even in winter.

The Science of Root Health in Winter.

Strong, deep roots are essential for a thriving lawn, and they don’t just appear in spring. They develop during winter. Gypsum promotes deep rooting by:

• Creating air pockets in the soil for oxygen flow

• Loosening dense clay to encourage root penetration

• Providing calcium, which strengthens cell walls in root systems

The result? A lawn that can better withstand cold stress, recover more quickly in spring, and resist disease and drought through summer.

How to Apply Hough SoilFix.

Using Hough SoilFix is simple:

Step 1: Mow and, if needed, aerate. This allows the gypsum to enter the soil more effectively.

Step 2: Spread evenly. Use a broadcast or handheld spreader for even coverage.

Step 3: Water in. Apply enough water to begin dissolving the granules and allow them to start working into the soil profile.

Step 4: Repeat as needed. Most lawns benefit from gypsum applications once or twice per year. Winter and early spring are the most beneficial times.

Recommended application rate: 1–2 kg per 10 m², depending on the severity of compaction or sodium issues.

Hough SoilFix Product Information

Real Results from the Adelaide Hills.

We’ve seen first-hand how Hough SoilFix transforms tired lawns. Customers report:

• Easier water penetration after rain

• Faster recovery from winter stress

• Healthier, greener growth once spring arrives

• A visible improvement in soil texture over time

Whether you’re managing a backyard or preparing a professional turf space, the benefits of gypsum are consistent and science-backed.

Final Thoughts: Healthy Lawns Start Below the Surface.

While your turf might look quiet through winter, there's a lot happening underneath. Soil health is the foundation of everything that follows, and investing in it now pays dividends in the growing seasons ahead.

Hough SoilFix isn’t just a product—it’s a strategic tool in your year-round lawn care plan. With its quick-release, finely ground formulation and proven results, it’s trusted by professionals and made available to passionate home gardeners across South Australia.

Get ahead of spring. Fix your soil this winter.

Visit Hough Turf & Garden Supplies today to grab your bag of SoilFix.