Just out of curiosity....

[Creemteez]

Could you use Andrews Liver Salts as an Alternative to Epsom Salts? Are they the same thing only different names? Checked the tub I've got in the bathroom cupboard and it says it has Magnesium in it.
Am very tempted to give it a go on my cucumbers which are looking very magnesium deficient.
Can anyone advise?
Ta!

[scarey55]

Do you know what, I was wondering the same thing but I thought better of it and ordered some Epsom salts. How about trying it on just one plant. I fear that it isn't the same thing but we do have some very clever scientific bods on here who will be able to give a more considered opinion.

[Aberdeenplotter]

You could always give your cues some beer and then the Andrews to sort out the hangover

[Tam]

They are not the same thing. Epsom salt it pure magnesium sulphate, whereas Andrews has magnesium sulphate in it and a couple of other chemicals - one to make it fizz and the other, I think is citric acid. Stick to epsom salt - though you might find magnesium sulphate, somewhere, cheaper.

[snohare]

If it's the same form of magnesium, then yes. If not, then probably not. It isn't just that it has magnesium in it, it is that it is in a form that will easily break down...and if both are water soluble, I'd guess that they are very similar and you might be in luck.
Either way, you have nothing to lose. Unlike in humans, I don't think you will be risking poisoning the plants !

[Hillwalker]

If concerned, make sure your magnesium sulphate is BP grade. Dissolve in hot water first, then dilute further in cold.

[Florence Fennel]

I'd stick with Epsom salts, it's tried and tested.

[bearded bloke]

Cheapest Epsom Salts I found are at Boots £1.55 for 200grams,bugger I saw it after paying 50% more at Morereasons Doh !!

[Flummery]

Andrews should be saved for when your plant has been on the lash and has a massive hangover. Hard to tell with a cucumber though!

[Creemteez]

Thanks all! Have decided not to risk it and as Mr Teez is going to Bude today, I've instructed him to try and get some in Boots.

[Creemteez]

Thanks all, will stick to EP and avoid the risk of tragedy. Couple of minor points.
Epsom Salts - Dosage - Teaspoons per pint of water etc?
..and does one spray on or water in?
Ta!

[bearded bloke]

I did 1/2oz in a pint of water & sprayed it onto the leaves(about half the amount over 4 plants) & plant to re apply the balance in about a week.Not sure how correct the application rate is but they have not keeled over YET

[steve P]

Did they live?

Now 6 years later and I am faced with the same question.

Toms suffering I think with Mg deficiency. I have ordered astonishingly cheap tom fertilizer online but should I use some Andrews first?

Ingredients listed are Bicarb, Citric acid - combine to make fizz - and 17.4% Mg Sulphate.

So it basically IS Epsom Salts. I read

"Apply as a foliar spray using the same 1 or 2 tablespoons (of ES) in a a gallon of water, every 2 weeks for a boost."

So that's 100/17.4 x 1or2 = 6 to 12 tbsp. Taking density as 1 and 1tbsp as 15ml that's 90 to 180g. Per gallon - that's 4.5 litres. So 20-40g/litre

From my 150g pack with just a bit used.

Tried a litre at 60g/l (need is great) Sprayed half on leaves and poured half at base of each plant.

I hope it's also good for runner beans as they are coplanted.

Tips welcome.

[Chris11]

I'd probably not use the Andrews because of the Sodium Bicarbonate.

This could raise the pH (i.e. make things more alkaline) in your soil/compost, and make the pH conditions less optimal for your plants.

Also the added Sodium could compete/interfere with Potassium take-up by the plant.

Stick to the Epsoms or generic Magnesium Sulphate if you're sure it's a Magnesium deficiency.

If you're not so sure, then a decent Tomato feed will contain Magnesium as well as NPK and other nutrients, so personally I'd try that first.

[steve P]

Acid+base=Salt+Water+CO2 in this case

The bicarb is neutralised by the citric acid leaving only Sodium Citrate - effect unknown to me!

I have ordered Levington Tomorite Concentrate Tomato Feed With Seaweed Extract 1L Litre strangely cheap from eBay and expect it to arrive tomorrow/Thurs but thought to try a quick fix!

Will see how they look in the morning. My guess is no different!

Thanks for your help

Steve