Q&A – Which is better for root growth: Epsom salt or 10-10-10 fertilizer?
Question:
I was told that Epson salt will help strong root growth. Should I use that or will a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 be better?
Answer:
The 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer will generally be better for overall plant growth. Epsom salt may be good, but it depends on what you soil needs, which can be found with a soil test. If a soil test shows low magnesium, Epsom salts can be added to bring the magnesium level up to a healthy amount. Even balanced fertilizers can be over applied, so in any case a soil test will tell you what and how much to use. Another problem with Epsom salt is that high levels of salt are harmful to plants. Salt is easy to add to soil but very hard to remove.
Related Resources:
Miracle, Myth...or Marketing: Epsom Salts
Epsom Salts and Plants – Is It Worth Using Epsom Salts as a Plant Fertilizer?
I was told that Epson salt will help strong root growth. Should I use that or will a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 be better?
Answer:
The 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer will generally be better for overall plant growth. Epsom salt may be good, but it depends on what you soil needs, which can be found with a soil test. If a soil test shows low magnesium, Epsom salts can be added to bring the magnesium level up to a healthy amount. Even balanced fertilizers can be over applied, so in any case a soil test will tell you what and how much to use. Another problem with Epsom salt is that high levels of salt are harmful to plants. Salt is easy to add to soil but very hard to remove.
Related Resources:
Miracle, Myth...or Marketing: Epsom Salts
Epsom Salts and Plants – Is It Worth Using Epsom Salts as a Plant Fertilizer?