Desert soil & Epsom salt
-
Douglas Hunt on Jul 08, 2013Epsom salts works best where there is a magnesium deficiency in the soil. If you don't have that, there's not really any reason to use it.Helpful Reply
-
-
J Kelly on Jul 16, 2013Mr Hunt does not live in the desert, so i would take his advice with a grain of salt. Ms Becky I share your sympathy as i am also dealing with alkalotic soils in New Mexico. To answer you question regarding pH; a chemist friend of mine tried lowering the pH of the soil with pure hydrochloric acid... did not work. Other than total soil replacement, I'm sorry to report that there are no practical alternatives to balancing the pH. Magnesium sulphate works by stabilizing ions/minerals for the plant to use. The magnesium ion is crucial for photosynthesis as it is analagous to the central role that Iron plays in the human hemoglobin molecule. The sulphate ion can stabilize (a.k.a. hold on to) other minerals that a plant can use (ie calcium, magnesium, potassium). Sounds like all the stuff in fertilizer huh. Pre-mix your soil with a cup of epsom salt, and water with a teaspoon of Epsom in 1 gallon of water once per month. Do not overwater as this will leech away the soluble minerals.Helpful Reply
-
-
Becky on Jul 17, 2013Thank you for this info. A Though I have amended ,most of my beds with organic material I think I'll stay away from the Epsom salt. I did share this with friends in Northern CAHelpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
Which room would you pick for a room makeover in your home?
We're curious, if you could redesign any room in your home, which is the room you would choose?Whether it's your cozy living room, your bustling kitchen, or even your... See more
Would you rather wash and fold laundry or clean the dishes?
Given the choice, would you prefer washing the dishes or doing laundry? Share your preferences and insights!
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
What would you do with a Space between a shed and a fence.
this picture taken around 3pm so it does get some sun, not a lot tho. Which plants, just what in the heck do you do with it?
Help for my Christmas cactus?
I inherited a Christmas cactus from my very green-thumbed grandmother about 6 months ago. She lived in SC and had a greenhouse, but I live in NC and don't. I've kept ... See more
Santa Mop Head Instructions
Does anyone know where I can find instructions for this specific Santa mop head project? I've been unable to find anything except the image in my searches. I've tried... See more
How to make a Christmas bow with wired ribbon?
How do I make a Christmas bow out of wired ribbon for Christmas? I’d like to make pretty bows for my Christmas gifts and arrangements. I’d like it to be full and ... See more