From helping seeds germinate to making plants grow healthier, there’s a lot that Epsom salt can do. If you’ve got blueberry plants and are wondering- is Epsom salt good for blueberry plants, here’s all you need to know.
Read on to get a quick idea about using Epsom salt for your blueberries, how it can help, and how to do it the right way.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Blueberry Plants?
Epsom salt can be great for blueberry plants, but only if used when needed. Since the salt is basically used for plants exhibiting magnesium deficiency, your first instinct might be to check, and then just put it to use.
Truth is, when it comes to blueberry plants in particular, there’s one more aspect you need to be careful about- soil pH.
If your soil has low pH, it might have an effect on the plant that may resemble magnesium deficiency. In contrast, if the soil has high pH, it might prevent the plant from absorbing magnesium, even if there is plenty of it.
Before you start to use epsom salt for your blueberry plants, you will need to first assess the pH of soil, and then take the appropriate steps.
Recommended Read: Best Mulch For Blueberries + Tips & Tricks
What Does Epsom Salt Do For Blueberries?
Epsom salt can offer a good nutrient boost to your blueberry plants, especially when they are going through a period of magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium is particularly crucial for blueberries. The lack of this mineral can affect the plant’s ability to absorb and take in the nutrients from soil, which then shows up in the berries.
Do Blueberries Benefit From Epsom Salt?
They actually do! Epsom salt is a rich source of oxygen, sulfur and magnesium- all of the components needed for optimum plant growth.
If you suspect your blueberry plants are going through a period of magnesium deficiency, applying Epsom salt could help restore their health and make the berries juicy and delicious.
Recommended Read: What is the Best Natural Fertilizer For Blueberries?
How Much Epsom Salt Should I Put on My Blueberry Plants?
Just like with most other natural fertilizers, the key to using Epsom salt the right way is to make sure you don’t end up overdoing it. By using too much of it, you could create imbalance in the soil, which could cause problems like burned roots, stunted growth and foliage problems. What’s more, excess of magnesium in the soil can also interfere with the plant’s uptake of potassium, which can, in turn, give rise to other problems.
It is always a good practice to first do a soil test before using Epsom salt for blueberries, or for any other plant for that matter.
How Can I Make My Soil Acidic For Blueberries?
There are actually several ways to improve the acidity of soil for your blueberry bushes. You could mix the Epsom salt with some vinegar to offer blueberries the right balance of low pH and magnesium that it is looking for.
Alternatively, you could also apply mulch that is slightly acidic in nature. Using pine needles as mulch can be a good idea, especially for plants like blueberries which thrive in acidic soil.
How to Use Epsom Salt For Blueberry Plants?
To use Epsom salt, you’ll need to broadcast it using a spreader on the deficient soil. Stick to a decent quantity to begin with- around ¼ cup of the soil in 10 inch diameter around the plant should be just fine.
You can also create a simple foliar spray by mixing 1 tablespoon of the salt in 1 gallon of water and spraying it over the leaves, which need it the most.
Comments
No Comments