Epsom salts for plants? which plants?

I have heard that epsom salts is good for plants. I would like to know what it does (didn't take chemistry) and what plants it helps.

http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/garden.htm

Hope it helps.

MaryE, not only does it add magnesium to the growing medium (soil) but it also plays an important role in flower setting. Often-times plants, especially peppers, will lose their flowers before they set (and this, of course, will not produce fruit). If you spray a mixture of Ep salt and water on the plant not only will it green up the plant nicely but will allow the flower to set. (any solution left over can be poured at the base of the plant).

I sure am glad ya'll posted this information.....I intend to grow a LOT of tomatoes this year and this will help with my #1 problem.....blossom end rot! Also read it's great for my roses (which need all the help they can get!). Thanks for the info!!

Roses love epsom salts, about once a month - 1 T per gallon water.
Grits

Epsom aka Magnesium sulfate, helps most in the chlorphyl "factory" all plants

Mom24cats.

#1 problem with Blossom end rot and blossom drop is excessive nitrogen, The excessive ammonium ions (from ammonium nitrate) depresses the uptake of calcium and magnisium and a couple other minor nutients.

(~~Odds are excessive feeding of 15-35-15 #1 cause)

#2 problem is not enough water, Tomatoes need 1 to 1 1/2 in of rain/water per week.

#3 Lack of calcium in the soil, a couple tbsp of dolomitic lime at transplant, and a couple more at first fruit set is usually enough.

Alterante a couple dried finely crushed eggshells and 1 tbsp or 1 tbsp per gal of epsom.

Byron

Good info Byron...but don't forget the calcium chloride...best to buy it in the form of rock salt (the kind you use to melt snow off the steps/walkways. A few tbs in a some warm water then sprayed foliar is a quick fix for BER.

I use on my Stuttgart canna. Helps the leaves from browning.
Alice

Horseshoe

Don't need the calcium chloide if it's in the soil

Also excessive use can yeild a salt problem


Dolomitic lime is calcium carbonate and magnesium sulphate

Byron

Excellent point Byron! I've used it only for a foliar spray. AND, I also only use dolomitic lime in the soil. The majority of our soil here in NC is very acidic, and clay. I pay particular attention to anything that could add "salts" to the soil...with clay it seems everything takes its merry old time moving on so we must be careful with what goes in the soil. With over 300 chickens we certainly have eggshells for calcium, and we use them. The cal chloride is just used if there is a need for a 'quick fix' and is used sparingly, usually when the air temp is very high and inhibiting fruit set. Any other info you care to offer is certainly welcome. (You wouldn't have a good plant food for onions would you? Organic preferably).