What Are the Benefits of Epsom Salt for Plants?
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is valued for its many medicinal benefits. Epsom salts may also be helpful in the garden when properly applied. Always test your soil before applying epsom salts or any soil amendment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Epsom salt was discovered in Epsom, England, which is where it gets its name. It is not related to table salt (sodium chloride). The term "salt" refers to its chemical structure. Epsom salt's high concentration of magnesium contributes to most of its benefits for plants and human health.
Benefits for Plants
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Because epsom salts contain two important plant nutrients (magnesium and sulfur), they are often used to help seeds germinate, increase plant growth and vitality, increase uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus, and increase chlorophyll levels. It can be used for a variety of plants and crops, from conifers to coffee to alfalfa, making it a versatile soil amendment.
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Limitations
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Like any soil amendment, epsom salts are not a cure-all and should always be used in moderation. Excessive application of epsom salts may cause root disease in some plants, and scientific studies have demonstrated that many of the benefits of epsom salts are actually quite questionable.
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