How can I use Epsom salts on my plot?

[rosiepumpkin]

I have a 25kg bag and some tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[NatalieCooke]

I used it to spray on the tomato leaves. They started to go a funny colour due to lack of magnesium I think.

[Bigmallly]

About Epsom Salts

Named for the city in England where the naturally occuring compound was discovered, Epsom salts are chemically known as magnesium sulfate and are 10 percent magnesium and 13 percent sulfur. Epsom salts readily dissolve in water to become immediately available to plants in the soil. Magnesium sulfate has long been used as a fertilizer and has been thought to improve seed germination, growth and production of chlorophyll. Later practices use the product only after a soil test shows a magnesium deficiency.

Epsom Salts for Tomatoes

While Epsom salts don't fight blight, when older leaves on tomato plants turn yellow while the veins remain green, the macronutrient may be just what the doctor ordered. Mottled yellow leaves that eventually turn brown and drop off are a sign of magnesium deficiency in tomatoes. Applying a foliar spray of 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts per foot of height of the tomato plants dissolved in 1 gallon of water can help alleviate symptoms.

[rosiepumpkin]

So more of a magnesium deficiency treatment than a fertiliser?

[muddled]

I water my toms with epsom salts to prevent blossom end rot...I have no evidence for the efficacy of this other than the lore of gardeners older and wiser than me.

and a handful of epsom salts in a hot bath after a day digging eases aching joints.

[Kristen]

So more of a magnesium deficiency treatment than a fertiliser?

Definitely, but a prophylactic treatment (around the time that fruit starts to form) is generally a good idea, particularly for Tomato plants in containers (mine are in greenhouse borders and tend to show Magnesium deficiency, even in fresh soil, so probably also true for outdoor crops)

Not sure of any benefit beyond that.

[brownfingers]

A more novel idea may be to take copious amounts of the epsom salts disolved in warm water, cosume at regular intervals, collect the volcanic aftermath, and spread it on the garden. That should act as a fertiliser.

Seriously, I always have some made up to use as a foliar spray on my toms. I've even been known to add a bit to my final potting mix.

[NatalieCooke]

Just remember my husband put Epson salts on the lawn. Not sure if it did any good but it kept him quite a good hour.

[Bren In Pots]

If you ask for Epson salts in the chemist don't be surprised when they show you modern alternatives to help your constipation, that's what happened to before I explained I wanted them for my tomatoes.

[Kristen]

If you ask for Epson salts in the chemist ...

Is "I've got a Magnesium deficiency in my Tomatoes" open to interpretation then?

[NatalieCooke]

You can buy a 1KG bag from Home Bargains for £2.99 cheaper then going a chemist.

[rustylady]

I have a 25kg bag and some tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

That's an awful lot of Epsom Salt