Epsom Salts

[Bren]

What would you use epsom salts on an allotment for?. While tiding the shelves in the shed I've come across some my husband must have used it on something its not in its orignal packet so no instruction to go on with.
Bren

[PLUMPUDDING]

I've just looked it up on www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/garden_benefits.htm and it is good for germination, uptake of nutrients and lots more. Take a look at their web site - I can't remember it all.

[Chantal]

Hi Bren

I sprayed my beans with it last year when the leaves turned yellow from potassium deficiency.

[John]

Hello Bren
Epsom salts is useful stuff. It is in fact crystals of magnesium sulphate and used in the garden to counteract magnesium deficiency in soils. This shows as a yellowing of the leaves, usually between the veins which remain green. You are most likely to see Mg deficiency on potato or tomato leaves and sometimes on the tips of shallots, garlic and onions. Its watered into the soil around the plant or over the leaves at 1 tsp per gallon solution.
Chantal mentions potassium deficiency. Feeding plants with fertilizers high in potassium can induce a magnesium deficiency.

John

[Chantal]

Aha, is my memory failing me again John? Was it magnesium deficiency in my beans? Whatever it was, the Epsom salts sorted out the problem.

[Bren]

Thanks Plumpudding, Chantal and John for your info on epsom salts, I have printed it off so I can refer to it when needed.
Bren