Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) supplies the plants with valuable magnesium and at the same time lowers the pH value of the soil. In this article you can find out whether the preparation is also suitable for weed killing and how to use it correctly.

Magnesium sulfate is a fertilizer, not a weed killer

What is magnesium sulfate?

Epsom salt is a powdered or crystalline substance that:

  • odorless
  • colorless
  • and is water soluble.

Magnesium sulfate is not only used as a fertilizer, but also in medicine and chemistry.

Magnesium is an important plant nutrient

This trace element is instrumental in the formation of leaf green (chlorophyll). If the nutrient is missing, the leaves appear yellowish and the leaf veins appear darker.

Can Epsom Salt Kill Weeds?

Magnesium sulphate is not actually a weed killer, as unwanted weeds can also benefit from the additional doses of magnesium. However, if the lawn suffers from a lack of the nutrient, the turf can become less dense.

Even if you own a garden that is almost completely free of wild herbs, weed seeds are carried by the wind. If the growth conditions for grasses are not ideal, weeds such as dandelion and clover will take root. In this case, fertilizing with Epsom salts can also have an indirect effect against weeds.

In addition, magnesium sulphate lowers the pH value of the soil, which can lead to the death of clover in lawns. This effect can be reversed by subsequent application of lime.

Before you fertilize magnesium sulphate: do a soil test

Before administering Epsom salt, you should use a soil sample to determine whether there is a magnesium deficiency and/or whether the pH value of the soil is actually too high. The discoloration of the grass as the sole indication of a nutrient deficiency is not meaningful enough.

How is Epsom salt used correctly?

As with fertilizers, the same applies to Epsom salt: a lot doesn't help much. Apply the product as follows:

  • For light and medium-heavy soils, 30 grams of Epsom salt per square meter twice a season.
  • For heavy soils, a single dose of 30 grams of Epsom salt per square meter is sufficient.

Crystals and powder are a little easier to dose on large lawns. Proceed as follows when fertilizing:

  • Dampen the lawn with a garden hose or apply immediately after a downpour.
  • Sprinkle Epsom salt.
  • Water thoroughly.

tips

If you have fertilized with liquid manure or urea, the plants can temporarily absorb magnesium less well and react with the typical yellowing of the leaves. This is another reason why it is important to take a soil sample before administering Epsom salts.

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Herbs