Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal Plus for Acidic & Hard Soils

Mag-I-Cal Plus is the lime product we recommend most because it does two things at once: raises pH in acidic soil AND addresses compaction with added soil conditioners. Traditional ag lime is cheap but slow — it can take a year or more to meaningfully shift pH. Mag-I-Cal Plus is pelletized and reacts much faster, with noticeable pH improvement in 6–8 weeks. The 'Plus' formula adds a gypsum-like soil loosening component, making it especially useful for lawns with heavy clay that have become hard and compacted. For the homeowner whose soil test came back with pH below 6.0 and who wants to seed in the fall, this is the pick: apply it 4–6 weeks before seeding, water it in, and by seed day your soil will be better structured AND closer to the 6.0–7.0 target. The 18-lb bag covers 5,000 sq ft — a full treatment for the average suburban yard. Rate: 5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for mild deficiency (pH 6.0–6.5); up to 10 lbs for severe deficiency (pH below 5.5).