Topic: Epsom Salts

[Chezzie]

Look's like my mum's loss of sight is permanent so I'll keep posting on her behalf [if that's ok] She has seen Epsom Salts for the garden in Lidl but doesn't know what they are used for, does anyone know please?

Chezzie    :-\

[john_miller]

Chemically Epsom salts are MgSO₄. The Mg is magnesium, a neccessary, and major, plant nutrient, being a constituent of cholorophyll. Use warily (i.e. only whem a deficency is apparent) as it can cause precipitation problems with other nutrients, especially calcium.

[ina]

Hi. I spray an epsom salt solution (1 teaspoon per liter water) on pepper plants as they start blooming. The leaves sure do get a pretty dark green from it. I read somewhere long ago that it's good for pepper plants (and maybe helps set the fruits?).

[Chezzie]

Thanks Ina, I'll pass it on.

[tim]

Sorry about Mum.

Epsom? We use it at 4oz/gal on toms & raspberries if we get chlorosis - yellowing between the veins & at the tips. This is by sprayer, the fastest method. Two-three times - 2 weeks apart. = Tim

[Chezzie]

Thanks Tim

So according to you and John it should only be used as medicinal, took I bit of time to realise that you were the same Tim!

Chezzie

[not famous for my brain]

[john_miller]

I do wonder if 'Epsom salts for gardens' isn't just a ploy to increase the price over the same product you can find in a pharmacy? Should you feel that Epsom salts are neccessary you might want to do some comparison shopping first!
A magnesium induced calcium deficency can be far more devastating to a crop than a magnesium deficency, which is why I would counsel restraint in it's use. While magnesium deficency in tomatoes is quite common unneccessary use of Epsom salts could precipitate blosson end rot in (or cause smaller fruit in other crops) if calcium is rendered inaccessible to the plant.

[tim]

So - give 'em some calcium as well to ward off ber?? = Tim

[Chezzie]

If anyone needs it I would suggest Lidl is the best price, I think she's better off wiating until she gets a problem then I'll ask your advice again...............safer!

Thanks Chezzie

[john_miller]

I would do as you do Tim- foliar feed and forget about potential problems in the soil.