What does Epsom salts do for your garden plants?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
stormygace kure beach, NC(Zone 7b) Aug 12, 2008

Seem I have read Epsom salts are beneficial in a garden... OK, for what? Which plants benefit?
This is my first summer gardening across the street from the ocean. The soil is actually better than sand - I think it is from years of accumulated wax myrtle leaf detritus & Ilagnus leaves. Anyway I am amending our raised beds with aged horse manure/grass clipping compost as it matures (been cooking fast in our hot humid weather) & wondered about the Epsom salts. Any advice is very appreciated.

Post #5402321
Quote
NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Aug 12, 2008

It adds magnesium, a trace mineral, to your soil. I seem to remember reading in the Dave's Garden newsletter that it helps plants utilize calcium better. Hopefully, someone will come along with a better memory than me and can tell you for sure about the calcium.

Post #5404105
Quote
Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Aug 12, 2008

It is simply magnesium sulphate, As natureLover stated it does add the trace element magnesium to your soil. If you have low magnesium it is highly soluble and makes magnesium ions available quickly. Most soils don't have low magnesium, most balanced fertilizers will contain sufficient magnesium, and those of us the east with naturally acid soils will used dolomitic limestone ( Calcium Magnesium carbonate) so most of the time it is not necessary and as with everthing else you can overdo it.

Post #5404156
Quote
NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Aug 13, 2008

Ahhh, thanks Farmerdill. I knew I didn't have that quite right.

Post #5407751
Quote
Aug 13, 2008

stormygrace, if you put in the words epsom salts in the 'search forums' box you will find a ton of threads discussing the many ways people use it in their plants.

Post #5407944
Quote
carrielamont Milton, MA(Zone 6a) Aug 13, 2008

Stormy is not a subscriber. Even finding the myriad threads may not provide access.... But it sounds like you're doing things well, Stormy!

Post #5408202
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP