Epsom salt?
 

Anyone else use Epsom salt? It might be my imagination, but it seems like it keeps my banana leaves from shredding in the wind.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Maybe I should have placed this in the soil, and additives category?

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Being in Florida from the Keys now up to Daytona Beach, I can tell you that I use and have always used Epsom salts on all of my plants. Florida being mostly sand is not the most fertile there is. I have found that we are always nitrogen and even more magnesium deficient. Epsom salts is the number one cure for magnesium deficiency there is. I can not say that I have noticed any thickening or toughening of my banana leaves but I can say that it is great to add often to all of your trees and yard as a supplement.
rick

Re: Epsom salt?
 

I use it every season, but I think it has nothing to do with leaf thickness, only color..

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Also muriate of potash is a WONDERFUL product to add to bananans. It is 0-0-60 and makes a dramatic difference in the fruit production. It must be used from the start when the pup shoots out of the adult in the matt. Also the whole way thru its growing life just a s supplement for the plant but it does make a difference. I read that one of the major gardeners at Fairchild gardens used it as a regular supplement for their banana plants.
rick

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Makes a big difference in how pups look on a mat too in hurry.. :^)

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Where can you get this murate of potash? lol:2738:

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Ohhh ok, its potassium chloride, not sure where to get that around here.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Can you use it along with manure, and regular fertilizer?

Re: Epsom salt? muriate of potash
 

Muriate of potash is a chemical that you must get form your nursery. You cant get it from Lowes but from a spatiality nursery that carries all of the good chemicals. It is GREAT and I have used it for over 15 years on my bananans.
rick

Re: Epsom salt?
 

being in the keys i will vouch for epsom salt i through it around a lot of my trees and plants i keep 2 carton in my plant cabinet and through handfuls around the drip line when ever i think about it.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

if you cant find it localy, amazon sells it in bulk.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

I will do a search on there.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

How much of the 0-0-60 should I put around each plant / mat each week or month or however long? in cups.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

Sulfate of potash / potassium sulfate is the recommended form. Muriate can cause salt toxicity and microbe destruction.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

What is the dosage to be used with Epsom salt, and how is it distributed?
Thanks

Re: Epsom salt?
 

For small containers .....a teaspoon per gallon of water.

Use a gallon container and mix the salt in....... shake well. This will really make your plants green.
For lawns use a hose end sprayer.

For technique watch some great youtube videos ....keywords "epson salts for your plants".:08:
Like ureas use wisely.

Re: Epsom salt?
 

I have the sulphate type, but do not know the application rate...

Re: Epsom salt?
 

The mixing ratio depends on your horticultural application.
There are many informative videos on the web.
One of my favorite vids are by Jerry Baker Master Gardener
Here is a start for some quick reading
21 Epsom Salt Garden "Cheats" You Don't Want To Miss!

Re: Epsom salt?
 

No. Let me start at the beginning.

I did my research and got the sulphate of potash, which is 0-0-60. It is a heavy granular powder. I simply need to know how much to sprinkle around each plant or mat and how often. In cups if possible.