Your Epsom Salt Advice

[EFGrows]

I'm growing some Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Jalapeno Peppers, at least 3 plants each, all in containers....I've heard that Magnesium Sulfate(Epsom Salt) can help when growing these....Much confusion on the Internet with some saying "BAD" others saying "GOOD"....So I'd like to hear from those here that actually use it and have "first-hand experience" using it with the veggie plants I listed above....What's your method of application(root water,foliar spray,sprinkle on soil, deep soil amendment,other)?...How much do you use per application or what ratio of water-to-product do you use if "dissolved" in water....How frequently do you apply/use it?....And lastly, why do you use it and what results do you usually see from using it?....And any other tips on the subject would be greatly appreciated....

BTW....Please don't tell me I need a "soil test" first....Not gonna happen on all the "container pots" I have...I'm looking to garden like in the 1800s when there wasn't a "soil test"...

 

[Chuck]

I'm growing some Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Jalapeno Peppers, at least 3 plants each, all in containers....I've heard that Magnesium Sulfate(Epsom Salt) can help when growing these....Much confusion on the Internet with some saying "BAD" others saying "GOOD"....So I'd like to hear from those here that actually use it and have "first-hand experience" using it with the veggie plants I listed above....What's your method of application(root water,foliar spray,sprinkle on soil, deep soil amendment,other)?...How much do you use per application or what ratio of water-to-product do you use if "dissolved" in water....How frequently do you apply/use it?....And lastly, why do you use it and what results do you usually see from using it?....And any other tips on the subject would be greatly appreciated....

BTW....Please don't tell me I need a "soil test" first....Not gonna happen on all the "container pots" I have...I'm looking to garden like in the 1800s when there wasn't a "soil test"...

I too live in SE Texas and I have been using ES for decades. I use it to stop Blossom End Rot on tomatoes and some cucurbits. Cherry tomatoes do not get BER and neither do hot peppers, at least I have never seen it. Bell peppers do get it, but rarely. However, I use it on EVERYTHING except okra, corn and beans. I have done side by side, actually row by row, testing and it SEEMS to give plants a slightly darker green color and a more robust plant. I doesn't hurt anything and it is cheap. I put about 1/4 cup in the hole at planting and another 1/4 cup when tomatoes reach their white stage. Roma tomatoes are the most susceptible to BER of all tomatoes and I have found it usually takes 3 applications to assure a non-BER harvest.

 

[oneeye]

I'm growing some Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Jalapeno Peppers, at least 3 plants each, all in containers....I've heard that Magnesium Sulfate(Epsom Salt) can help when growing these....Much confusion on the Internet with some saying "BAD" others saying "GOOD"....So I'd like to hear from those here that actually use it and have "first-hand experience" using it with the veggie plants I listed above....What's your method of application(root water,foliar spray,sprinkle on soil, deep soil amendment,other)?...How much do you use per application or what ratio of water-to-product do you use if "dissolved" in water....How frequently do you apply/use it?....And lastly, why do you use it and what results do you usually see from using it?....And any other tips on the subject would be greatly appreciated....

BTW....Please don't tell me I need a "soil test" first....Not gonna happen on all the "container pots" I have...I'm looking to garden like in the 1800s when there wasn't a "soil test"...

They didn't have Epsom Salt or ammonium nitrate in the 1800s. Also friend there's a big difference between the ground soil and container soil.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

I have used it, but not religiously. A tablespoon in ground, then the pot of plant. don't think it harms it, but frankly don't take note if a difference either way.

 

[Meadowlark]

They didn't have the internet in the 1800's to use for garden research either I know because I was around back then

Regarding Epsom salts, my experience using it covers several decades in East Texas, seriously. I can confidently say I wouldn't raise tomatoes without it. It just wouldn't be worth it. I generally apply it to the tomatoes soil once before planting and twice more while growing. I don't measure it...just use a small hand full.

Other veggies my endorsement is somewhat guarded. I view it as a positive amendment for peppers. The impacts aren't nearly as visible as on tomatoes but still worth doing.

Other than that, I would advise caution. I tested it on onions this year for the first time, and it definitely damaged the plants. Fortunately, I only tested a very limited area, but the results left no doubt...do not use on onions.




I have also tested on tomatillos with positive results similar to tomatoes.

My summary advice, definitely a positive for use on tomatoes and peppers and tomatillos. Use with caution on others and NOT at all on onions.

By the way, do you know how most all gardeners learned what works and what doesn't back in the 1800s....they experimented exactly as I did above on onions and have used that technique on numerous other topics for decades. Everything that was handed down to me from my family was information that was gained by controlled experiments. I have added volumes to it. It's a very rewarding way to go for me.