"The urge to use common household products as garden fertilizers and pesticides is compelling for many consumers who want simple, cheap approaches to landscape management. However, the use of any chemical in a landscape should be thoughtfully considered:
• Is it necessary?
• Can it cause damage?
The science behind the use of Epsom salts is only applicable to intensive crop production in situations where magnesium is known to be deficient in the soil or in the plants. It is irresponsible to advise gardeners and other plant enthusiasts to apply Epsom salts, or any chemical, without regard to soil conditions, plant needs, and environmental health. "
Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D.MasterGardener
WSU editor
Extension Urban Horticulturist and Associate Professor,
University of Saskatchewan - College of Agriculture and Bioresources
QUOTE
"More on these horticultural myths as well as many others, and better alternatives, can be found on the website of Washington State University Extension Horticulturist and Associate Professor Linda Chalker-Scott ( www.informedgardener.com). Tips she provides for evaluating popular or "gray" (questionable validity or basis in science) recommendations include asking the questions:
-- Does the author have reputable ties, such as to in academia or a scientific institution?
-- Does the recommendation come from information or sources that can be verified?
-- Does the recommendation refrain from, and is not tied to, selling a product?
-- Does the article appeal to reason rather than emotion?"
It does more damage than good because it affects the microbes in soil which are needed to maintain healthy soil. never add DIY concoctions,fertilzers, to gardens or on plants unless you have had soil tested and know exacttly what your soil is lacking. best thing you can do for your plants is add good clean organic compost to it once a year preferably in fall so it can break down over winter months feeding soil inturn fedding plants. stay away from herbicides and pesticides these also wreak havoc on soil microbes/soil health because everything in nature works in tandem.
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
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ...
See more
I want to use Epsom Salt next year on my plants, what type should I use, and how do I use it? Can I use it on a tree that is 15 yrs old?Edit: Final Question: Can I us...
See more
Typically used as a fertilizer.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/epsom-salt-gardening.htm
https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/gardening/epsom-salt-for-gardening/
https://morningchores.com/epsom-salts-for-plants/
Here’s a great article that explains the benefits of using Epsom salts: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/epsom-salt-gardening.htm
You can read the science behind it in our homemade plant food article :) https://chemistrycachet.com/easy-homemade-plant-food/
QUOTE - from the article Miracle, myth or marketing? Epsom Salts: Washington State University
"The urge to use common household products as garden fertilizers and pesticides is compelling for many consumers who want simple, cheap approaches to landscape management. However, the use of any chemical in a landscape should be thoughtfully considered:
• Is it necessary?
• Can it cause damage?
The science behind the use of Epsom salts is only applicable to intensive crop production in situations where magnesium is known to be deficient in the soil or in the plants. It is irresponsible to advise gardeners and other plant enthusiasts to apply Epsom salts, or any chemical, without regard to soil conditions, plant needs, and environmental health. "
Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D.MasterGardener
WSU editor
Extension Urban Horticulturist and Associate Professor,
Puyallup Research and Extension Center,
Washington State University
Puyallup, Washington
READ MORE
Epsom salts are not recommended - unnecessary, potentially damaging
University of Saskatchewan - College of Agriculture and Bioresources
QUOTE
"More on these horticultural myths as well as many others, and better alternatives, can be found on the website of Washington State University Extension Horticulturist and Associate Professor Linda Chalker-Scott ( www.informedgardener.com). Tips she provides for evaluating popular or "gray" (questionable validity or basis in science) recommendations include asking the questions:
-- Does the author have reputable ties, such as to in academia or a scientific institution?
-- Does the recommendation come from information or sources that can be verified?
-- Does the recommendation refrain from, and is not tied to, selling a product?
-- Does the article appeal to reason rather than emotion?"
Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont
It does more damage than good because it affects the microbes in soil which are needed to maintain healthy soil. never add DIY concoctions,fertilzers, to gardens or on plants unless you have had soil tested and know exacttly what your soil is lacking. best thing you can do for your plants is add good clean organic compost to it once a year preferably in fall so it can break down over winter months feeding soil inturn fedding plants. stay away from herbicides and pesticides these also wreak havoc on soil microbes/soil health because everything in nature works in tandem.
I would be careful because it can do a lot of damage. We use it to accelerate decomposition of tree stumps.