epson salts as plant fertilizer?

Question

how to use epson salts as plant fertilizer

Answer 1

It's used along with fertilizers as a supplement ...because it adds Magnesium to the soil. It is not a substitute for fertilizer.

From "The Hibiscus Handbook", a publication of the American Hibiscus Society Charitable Trust: Magnesium is an essential part of the chlorophyll molecule. It is also important in seed production and aids in the absorption of other nutrients. Magnesium is needed in fairly large amounts, and some fertilizers are lacking in this essential element. If magnesium is not applied regularly, magnesium deficiency may result. However, magnesium is listed on the fertilizer tag as a secondary plant food. A well balanced fertilizer will contain AT LEAST one third as much magnesium as it does nitrogen.

Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulphate) is beneficial for remedying chlorosis, because it adds magnesium. It is used along with a balanced fertilizer most often on evergreens, Roses, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Potatoes, & Tomatoes... to enhance the ability of the roots to use available Nitrogen for plant growth. BTW, Since magnesium can be moved from older leaves to younger by the plant, the yellowing from chlorosis appears on older leaves first when magnesium is lacking.

In the Florida alkaline sand environment,Epson Salts is a short-term amendment. Long-term better amendment can usually be accomplished by digging in oak leaves or other high acid mulches, or using all three methods.
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14226

Renee Schloupt, horticulturist at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania says this regarding Tomato and Peppers:
"Epsom salts can keep plants greener and bushier, enhance production of healthier fruit later in the season, and potentially help reduce blossom-end rot. Apply 1 tablespoon of granules around each transplant, or spray a solution of 1 tablespoon Epsom salts per gallon of water at transplanting, first flowering, and fruit set."

"Many rosarians agree that Epsom salts produces more new canes at the bottom of the plant (bottom breaks) and darker green foliage.
Apply a foliar spray (1 tablespoon per gallon of water per foot of shrub height) after the leaves open in spring and again at flowering."
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/pepper/msg0420165532097.html

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Magnesium sulfate. The magnesium to calcium ration is important. If you've been using additives or the water has a lot of calcium, your ratio may be out of whack. More importantly, the sulfate give a brief acidifying action to the soill which in turn releases nutrients that may be unavailable in alkaline soils.

Be careful though, too much will increase the salt content in the soil.......not good. Apply by teaspoon or no more than a 1/4 cup measure. Once a season or twice is usually enough.

Answer 3

You don't really need to add this to your soil, unless your soil has major deficiency on magnesium. Some people say this work like a charm on Tomatoes, but this is not a plant fertilizer. You might end up hurting your plants. Check your soil first, if you need to add this.

Answer 4

Epsom salts add magnesium to the soil. I use it on my scented geraniums and roses. It is not a complete fertilizer. I use 1 level Tablespoon per gallon of water.
this is a good thing to read before using Epsom salts.
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fertilizeepsomsalts

Answer 5

Here's a great fertilizer, I use it on everything, but it will REALLY make your african violets bloom like crazy.

1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Epsom salt
1 teaspoon saltpeter
1/2 teaspoon household ammonia
1 gallon water

Use this solution once a month.