How Much Epsom Salt to Treat Magnesium Deficiency?

last year

If you have a plant showing signs of magnesium deficiency, how much epsom salt should you add into each gallon of treatment water, and how often should you be applying this treatment?

This source claims - for roses anyway - to add one tablespoon of epsom salt for each foot of plant height:

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/much-epsom-salt-1-gallon-water-plants-84521.html

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
Provided the diagnosis of an Mg deficiency is accurate, the treatment is 1Tbsp of Epsom salts per gallon of water applied as a foliar spray or soil drench. Plant height doesn't factor into the equation :-) Do this a couple of times a season. Do not over-apply.

I would want to confirm the Mg deficiency before any application as too much Mg can have a detrimental effect and adversely impact on how other, more critical nutrients are absorbed.
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) The photo here is a Camellia. Maybe 15% of the leaves show this yellow discoloration around the leaf border.
Related Discussions
magnesium source? Epsom salts
Q
Comments (8)
Epsom salt will work, but usually just in the short term. Epsom salt is very water soluble and will each out of the soil fairly quickly. Dolomite Lime is a good source, it is made of calcium and magnesium and is more stable for the long term. A great thing is to use compost with a high percentage of tree leaves in it. Trees have deep roots that can go down into the bedrock, depending on the tree and get many of the minerals they need that way. Dolomite Lime can usually be bought at home depot or lowes, or if not available, you can buy over the net but the shipping costs are going to be outrageous. I would use some dolomite lime now to start correcting the issue, and add compost this fall and again next spring.
...See More
Magnesium Deficiency in heavy lime soil - how do I treat?
Q
Comments (8)
From what I hear, this is a public garden planted with donated plants in unamended soil...don't get involved in soil testing and micro examinations of the soil as you might if you were growing a display rose garden. You sure can broadcast epsom saolt on the top of your soil and water it in...or just wait for rain. Also remember too much rain on heavy clay means pooling water....and yellowing leaves. Start now abd beg all the free compost youc an find....grass clippings, leaves, shredded wood, coffee grounds, saw dust ( but not from treated deck lumber) and pile it on between the plants. You will be surprised at the improvement in a year....and a second year will bring even more improvement. Good luck! This is a good thing you are doing...but don't drive your self crazy over it. Compost and organic additions will make all soil difficulties better....even shredded paper is good. Linda C
...See More
Magnesium deficiency & foliar Epsom Salt
Q
Comments (6)
That's interesting -- about the boron. Which fertilizers have that in them, and how does one find out if it's in a particular fertilizer? The fertilizers I use have a "guaranteed analysis" for the usual ingredients, but that that doesn't mean they don't also contain other stuff. My usual fertilizer is Biosol, label linked below, and the other one I commonly use is Magnum Rose Food, a water soluble, by Grow More. But sometimes I also use a micronutrient powder and now that I look, on its label I see it says it contains "10 ppm Boron", which raises the question, how much is too much -- Is that even a noticeable amount? Thanks Kathy Here is a link that might be useful: Biosol label
...See More
how much epsom salt?
Q
Comments (6)
I sprinkle some on the beds in the spring. Later on in the growing season I foiliar feed my tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc., few times. It is all natural harmless substance, that you can even use as drink(proper dosage), you can bath in it, soak your feet in it. BER??? As far as I know, it is not a cure for BER. But it can make your plants lush green and healthy. For BER, disolve some calcium tablet in water and pour it at the base of your tomato plants.(Thats what they say). But I have found out from my own experience and have read about aothers, that ROMA, and SAN MARZANO are suseptible to BER. You can say that they are calcium deficiency sensative.
...See More
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author
last year
@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) Here is a soil test on the soil this plant is currently planted in, and it does suggest iron is a bit low. It looks like the soil amendment I used has a massive amount of dolomite lime added to it to neutralize it. So - in addition to iron issue - I now need to get the pH a full point lower.

I could add some elemental sulfur but that will take six months. Could I add some iron sulfate now to lower pH quickly while also raising iron?
Jaime Miller-Rapp
last year
I have to wait for my elemental sulfur to kick in as well, so every time I water my camellias, I mix up a special watering can with 1 TBSP vinegar per gallon of water. The recipe I learned from said you should check the amount of vinegar you add since every local tap water supply could be different pH.
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay thanked Jaime Miller-Rapp
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author
last year
@Jaime Miller-Rapp What is the starting pH of the water you are adjusting with vinegar?

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES What's Wrong With My Plant? Leaves Often Hold the Clues

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to identify common plant ailments by reading their leaves

Full Story

UNIVERSAL DESIGN What to Look for in a House if You Plan to Age in Place

By Laura Gaskill

Look for details like these when designing or shopping for your forever home

Full Story

255

GARDENING GUIDES Learn the Secret to Bigger and Better Roses

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Grow beautiful roses using both ordinary and unusual soil amendments

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Washing Machine

By Marianne Lipanovich

Cleaning your washer once a month will ensure that it stays spick-and-span along with your clothes

Full Story

387

GARDENING GUIDES When Is the Right Time to Prune Your Hydrangeas?

By Marianne Lipanovich

The type of hydrangea you have determines when it’s time to trim

Full Story

LIFE 12 Effective Strategies to Help You Sleep

By Laura Gaskill

End the nightmare of tossing and turning at bedtime with these tips for letting go and drifting off

Full Story

FRONT YARD IDEAS 10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love

By Laura Gaskill

Choosing attractive, well-mannered plants and sharing the bounty will go a long way toward keeping the peace

Full Story

102

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Remodel Insight: A Houzz Survey Reveals Homeowners’ Plans

By Mitchell Parker

Tub or shower? What finish for your fixtures? Find out what bathroom features are popular — and the differences by age group

Full Story

364

BEDROOMS The Right Mattress: The Secret to a Great Night’s Sleep

By Sophie Baylis

We spend a third of our lives asleep, so investing in a quality mattress is essential. Check out this expert advice to help you choose yours

Full Story

178

How Much Epsom Salt to Treat Magnesium Deficiency?

Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author

Related Discussions

westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author

Jaime Miller-Rapp

westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

How Much Epsom Salt to Treat Magnesium Deficiency?

Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

westes Zone 9b California SF BayOriginal Author

Related Discussions

westes Zone 9b California SF BayOriginal Author

Jaime Miller-Rapp

westes Zone 9b California SF BayOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author

westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author

westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
Original Author