Epsom Salts

somewhere I read here about using Epsom Salts in the water for seed starting but can't find my way back.....any body have input?

Hi cocoloba,
I am new to this site and just found your thread on Epsom Salt. This wonderful product has many uses. It deepens the color, thickens the petals,and improves the root structure of your plants-and healthy roots means strong healthy plants that can join you in the fight against pests, diseases, and even nasty weather. I have never heard of watering with Epsom salt. It might be to much for a very very young plant. When you transplant a small amount in the soil would be great. Hope this helps

So would I just sprinkle it in the soil or dilute with water??

I winter sowed bell peppers seeds inside under fluorescent lights (only because my timing was off and it was too cold to put them outside...)

Once the seeds germinated, I top watered ONCE with 2 Tbsps. Hydrogen Peroxide to a gallon of warm water to stave off fungus growing on the potting mix surface.

Once the seedlings got their 2nd set of true leaves, I began bottom watering with a mix of 1 Tbsp. of Miracle Grow and 1 Tbsp of Epsom Salts to a gallon of warm water, every 7-10 days, or so. Poured it in and poured off any excess in the drip tray after a couple of hours. I don't know if it was the Emerald Giants natural color or the Epsom Salts, but those were the most brilliantly colored seedlings I've ever seen!

They've started blooming under the lights, and are set for plantout this weekend, averaging 10-12" to date.

Take a Look...(the picture was taken 3-2-10).

Godspeed and Good Harvest!

Linda

hmmm... just started a bunch of seeds. I think I might try this!

I have no experience with using it with seedlings so I will be watching what others say.

However, I worked with a grower and he was so very smart. He has the answers to anything you ask him. I always go to him when I need advice. I told him that my fushias had stopped flowering mid summer. His reply was to add a tb spoon of epsom salt to a gallon of water and run through the plants. In the next week my fushias were loaded with buds. I have used this pratice for years and mine are always flowering until it frosts.

Here is a link to the Epsom salts council, where it has it's recommendation for gardeneing uses.
http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/garden_usage_tips.htm

I have used epsom salt for years on my roses but I wonder if anyone has used it on/near iris rhizomes ?