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Gardening with Epsom Salt
Posted by Unknown in Bell Peppers, Epsom Salt, Gardening, Rose on Monday, 13 May 2013
Epsom salt
is a popular and well-reputed supplement in organic gardening. With the
recent push towards “green” living, Epsom salt is an ideal answer to a
variety of organic gardening needs. Both cost effective and gentle on
your greenery, Epsom salt is an affordable and green treatment for your
well-tended plants—both indoors and out.
Completely
one-of-a-kind with a chemical structure unlike any other, Epsom salt (or
Magnesium Sulfate) is one of the most economic and versatile salt-like
substances in the world. Throughout time, Epsom salt has been known as a
wonderful garden supplement, helping to create lush grass, full roses,
and healthy, vibrant greenery. It has long been considered a planter’s
“secret” ingredient to a lovely, lush garden, and is such a simple,
affordable way to have a dramatic impact. Just as gourmet salt works
with the ingredients in food to enhance and bring a meal to its full
potential, Epsom salt enhances fertilizer and soil’s capabilities to
bring a deeper level of vitality to your garden’s composition. Ultra
Epsom Salt is the highest quality Epsom salt available, and is widely
celebrated for its powerful benefits on natural life, ranging from
household plants to shrubs, lawns and even trees.
Why Epsom Salt Works in the Garden
Composed almost
exclusively of Magnesium Sulfate, Epsom salt is intensely rich in these
two minerals that are both crucial to healthy plant life. These same
minerals which are so beneficial for bathing and using around the house
are also a wonderful facilitator to your garden, helping it reach its
fullest potential and creating a lush and vibrant outdoor space. Unlike
common fertilizers, Epsom Salt does not build up in the soil over time,
so it is very safe to use.
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is
beneficial to plants from the beginning of their life, right when the
seed begins to develop. It assists with the process of seed germination;
infusing the seed with this important mineral and helping to strengthen
the plant cell walls, so that the plant can receive essential
nutrients. Magnesium also plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by
assisting with the creation of chlorophyll, used by plants to convert
sunlight into food. In addition, it is a wonderful help in allowing the
plant to soak up phosphorus and nitrogen, which serve as vital
fertilizer components for the soil. Magnesium is believed to bring more
flowers and fruit to your garden, increasing the bounty as well as the
beauty of your space.
SULFATE
Sulfate, a
mineral form of sulfur found in nature, is an equally important nutrient
for plant life. Sulfate is essential to the health and longevity of
plants, and aides in the production of chlorophyll. It joins with the
soil to make key nutrients more effective for plants, including
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Sulfate works in conjunction with
Magnesium to create a “vitamin” full of minerals, nourishment and health
benefits for your garden.
How to Use Epsom Salt in the Garden
EPSOM SALT FOR HOUSEPLANTS
Perhaps the
most natural and easiest place to start with Ultra Epsom Salt is with
the potted plants that are dispersed around your house and porch. Epsom
salt is such a simple way to increase their blooming and health, and is
something that you can include easily as a part of a normal routine. For
potted plants, simply dissolve 2 tablespoons per gallon of water, and
substitute this solution for normal watering at least once a month –
although it is safe to do this as often as desired.
Adding this
Epsom salt solution to houseplants that have been potted for a long time
is especially useful, due in part to natural salt, which can build up
in the soil and clog the root cells of the plant. Ultra Epsom Salt can
help to clear up this accumulation of natural salts in the pot, and lead
to a revival in the plant's health and vibrancy. It is also useful for a
plant that has just been potted, as it will more easily receive the
proper nutrients and have a healthy start in life. As general guidance,
most plants need plenty of sun to receive the benefits of Ultra Epsom
Salt (and photosynthesize), so be sure to keep typical houseplants in a
sunny area of the home unless instructed otherwise. Using Ultra Epsom
Salt with potted vegetable plants is a really wonderful idea as well,
because it can increase the amount of fruit or vegetables you receive
from the one plant. This is particularly beneficial to apartment
dwellers and those with little or no personal yard space, as Ultra Epsom
Salt can help you receive a large bounty within a confined space. A
wonderful way to easily and effectively grow food!
FIRST PLANTING WITH EPSOM SALT
For setting up
your garden and the initial planting stage, Ultra Epsom Salt is
especially useful for getting a nourishing start. Prep your garden soil
by sprinkling up to 1 cup of Ultra Epsom Salt per 100 square feet, and
then work it into the soil before seeding or planting. This helps the
seeds to germinate better, and start with a strong and healthy growth.
It is also very beneficial for more mature plants that you are going to
add to your garden, since the transition can be difficult for their
growth and health.
VEGETABLE GARDENS & EPSOM SALT
For maintaining
and creating a vegetable garden, Epsom salt can help you refresh and
revitalize the garden you have already created—or create a healthy
beginning to a new space. Ultra Epsom Salt is advised for use with all
fruits, vegetables, and herbs (It is not advisable to use Epsom salt
with the planting of sage—it is not beneficial for this particular
plant). As previously mentioned, it does not cause build-up or any harm
to plants when used, and so can be used safely and effectively during
any stage of the plant’s life. For general purposes, Ultra Epsom Salt
works well as a saline solution for a tank sprayer. Simply fill your
tank sprayer (commonly available at gardening and home improvement
stores) with 1 tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per gallon of water. Then
spray your garden after the initial planting, later when it begins to
grow (or after a month or so for transplants), and lastly when the
vegetables begin to mature. It is believed that this practice will give
you healthier vegetables, and a lush vegetable garden.
The advice above is wonderful for any vegetable or herb, but we do have additional advice for some varieties and situations:
Tomatoes & Epsom Salt
Tomatoes are
prone to magnesium deficiency later in the growing season, and display
this through yellow leaves and less production. They can greatly benefit
from Ultra Epsom Salt treatments both at the beginning of their
planting and throughout their seasonal life. When gardening, simply add
one or two tablespoons per hole before planting the seeds or
transplants. Then as the tomato matures, either work in one tablespoon
of Ultra Epsom Salt per foot of plant height around the base of the
tomato plant (individually), or create the tank sprayer solution
mentioned above and use that every two weeks.
Peppers & Epsom Salt
Like tomatoes,
peppers are also prone to magnesium deficiency and thrive much more
fully with the use of Epsom salt. This can be done in the same way as
tomatoes—through adding one or two tablespoons per hole before planting
(for seeds and grown plants), and then twice a week based on the height
of the plant (see above). A study conducted by the National Gardening
Association discovered that four out of six home gardeners noticed that
their Epsom salt-treated peppers were larger than those that were
un-treated. Many gardeners credit their healthy, vibrant peppers and
tomatoes to Epsom salt. This solution truly aides in the production
level, aesthetic beauty and quality of the harvest produced.
FLOWER GARDENS & EPSOM SALT
Like vegetable
gardens, flower gardens also blossom more vibrantly and beautifully with
the use of Ultra Epsom Salt in the soil and as a liquid solution. Epsom
salt helps your garden to become the calming, serene environment you
have been envisioning, and will increase the beauty of your home and
landscape as well. To use, follow the guidelines outlined in the First
Planting section for both brand new seedlings and more mature plants.
Next, using a tank sprayer, fill with a liquid solution containing one
tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per gallon of water. This solution can be
used as much as desired during the gardening season; but definitely
after the initial planting, then later when you see growth (or after a
month or so for transplants), and finally when they have received full
bloom. If you don’t have a tank sprayer, you can always create this
solution in a watering can using the ratio of 1 tablespoon Ultra Epsom
Salt to 1 gallon of water.
Roses and flower bushes have some additional tips concerning the use of Epsom salt:
Roses & Epsom Salt
Roses in
particular can greatly benefit from Epsom salt, and it is said to make
foliage greener, healthier and lead to more canes and roses. Start by
soaking unplanted rose bushes in one half cup of Ultra Epsom Salt per
gallon of water before planting, to help the roots get stronger and
firmer. Then, when planting, add one tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per
hole before inserting the rose bush. After the roses are planted (and to
boost already planted roses), make the liquid Ultra Epsom Salt solution
listed above for either a tank sprayer or watering can, or simply work
in one tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per foot of plant (individually).
Once during the beginning of the season, it is also advised to work one
half cup of Ultra Epsom Salt into the base of the plant to encourage
blooming canes and healthy basal cane development.
Shrubs & Epsom Salt
For flowering
and green shrubs, particularly evergreens, azaleas and rhododendrons,
Epsom salt can improve the blooming of the flowers and the vibrancy of
the greenery. Simply work in one tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per nine
square feet of bush into the soil, over the root zone, which allows the
shrubs to absorb the nutritional benefits. Repeat this every two to
four weeks for optimal results.
LAWN CARE & EPSOM SALT
Just as Ultra
Epsom Salt can revitalize your garden, so does it improve the greenery
and sustainability of your lawn. Epsom salt is particularly useful for
preventing a yellowing lawn and creating lusher, softer, deeply green
grass. It can be applied using a tank sprayer (which can also be used on
your flower and vegetable gardens), a lawn spreader, and by using a
hose and spray attachment. Use three pounds per 1250 square feet (25’ x
50’), six pounds per 2500 square feet (50’ x 50’), and twelve pounds per
5000 square feet (50’ x 100’). If using a tank sprayer or a hose and
spray attachment, make sure to dilute the salt in plenty of water
(enough to make it dissolve), so that it is a concentrated solution.
TREES & EPSOM SALT
Trees, the
largest and longest standing part of your garden, can also benefit from
Epsom salt by allowing more minerals to be absorbed through the roots,
giving you strong healthy trees to enjoy for years to come. If your
trees bloom or produce fruit, Ultra Epsom Salt can be particularly
useful due to its ability to increase the production of both flowers and
bounty. Simply work in two tablespoons per nine square feet into the
soil over the root zone three or four times a year. Planning to complete
this at the beginning of each season is particularly helpful for
preparing the tree for the change in weather, and allowing them to
become stronger and healthier.
In the Garden: Tips for Growing Roses
Posted by Unknown in Advise and Tips, Gardening, Rose
Today’s column answers some common questions about rose care. Proper care can extend the life of these exceptional flowering plants for many years.
Q. Is April the proper time to begin rose pruning?
A. Yes, for most roses. An exception are heirloom roses and some climbers that produce flowers on old wood produced last year. Delay pruning those types until after they flower. Pruning in April will remove all the flower buds.
Modern roses (hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora) should be pruned back in mid-April. First, remove dead, diseased or injured canes. Blackened canes due to freezing temperatures should be cut back to 8 to 12 inches above ground level.
This should be where the cane is green, indicating it is alive. Cut at a 45 degree angle slightly above the outward facing bud. This produces a new cane that will grow outward and not inward. An outward growing cane will have more space in which to grow and remain more healthy and productive.
Remove all other canes that are smaller than 1/4-inch in diameter. Cut them back to the base of the plant. New growth from these pruned canes grows fast in May and produces flowers in June and beyond.
The popular knockout shrub roses are easy to prune. Simply cut all canes down to a level of 6 to 12 inches. New cane growth will be abundant and produce flowers for June color. Knockout roses are disease-resistant and don’t require spraying.
Q. How deep should a rose be planted?
A. The hole should be deep and wide enough so roots can spread out. For a modern rose, the bud union should be 1 inch below soil surface. Fill hole with loamy soil and water so soil settles. Add more soil if necessary. Don’t fertilize a newly planted rose. Wait until after the first flowering period in June.
A shrub rose grows on its own roots and isn’t grafted (budded). Plant so the region between and main stem and roots is at ground level.
Q. How should a rose be fertilized?
A. A rose is a heavy feeder and needs feeding several times during the growing season. For an established rose, scatter fertilizer (5-10-10, 12-12-12 or special rose food), in a band on soil surface around base of plant. Gently scratch fertilizer into soil and lightly water it into soil. Make first feeding on May 1 followed with other feedings on June 15 and Aug. 15. Do not feed after the August feeding.
Gardening observations
As a veteran rose grower told me many years ago, “experience is like manure, it’s only good when spread around.” Below are a few wise observations gained from many years of backyard gardening.
• Mulch: Feed through the mulch around a plant. A good light organic mulch layer is loose and porous. It permits nutrients and water to flow through readily.
• Reliable formula: In preparing soil for a rose bed or most any type of bed, mix together one-third each of topsoil, builder’s sand (coarse) and organic matter.
A choice mixture has a “friendly feel.” You should be able to work your fingers into a bed without a trowel. Regardless of soil mixture, do not walk or stand in a rose bed. Standing for more than a few minutes causes soil depression, leading to less air/water entering the root zone.
• Rose purchases: Like anything else, you get what you pay for. A top-quality rose will have the grade listed on the label. Buy only a No. 1 grade. It should have no less than three thick, healthy canes.
Lastly, June is prized as the peak month for rose blooming. But for me, there is no better conclusion to a growing season than in September/October with a few gorgeous roses to savor. Such a fall scene makes life a precious blessing!
Richard Poffenbaugh is a retired biology teacher and active home gardener since 1960. He is a member of the Mansfield Men’s Garden Club and was editor of the club newsletter (The Greenhorn) for 21 years. He resides in Ontario with his wife, Barbara. Call him at 419-529-2966.
How To Control Black Spot Of Roses
Posted by Unknown in Flower, Plant Diseases, Rose on Sunday, 12 May 2013
Plant Pathology Infobytes
Gardeners
who want to keep their rose garden the envy of the neighborhood should
plan to keep black spot fungus disease under control. Black spot is rose
"public enemy number one" and commonly makes its appearance in the
spring following warm, wet weather.
Symptoms of
black spot begin on leaves as small, pin-head sized black or dark brown
spots which are circular in shape. The spots increase in size, and
infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall from the plant.
Continued plant
attack by black spot results in unattractive foliage as well as reduced
size, number, and quality of blooms. Successive seasons of defoliation
weakens plants and increases susceptibility to winter kill and other
disorders.
Black spot
usually occurs on the lower portion of the rose bush first and moves
upward as the season progresses. Leaves are most susceptible to
infection when young but can be invaded at any point of development
during periods when showers are numerous.
Rose varieties
vary in susceptibility to the black spot fungus. Grandiflora and
floribunda types are generally more resistant than hybrid tea varieties,
and gardeners who have hybrid teas in their planting should plan to
carry out a full-season black spot control program. The following
control guidelines are suggested.
- When watering overhead, do so early in the day so that plants have a chance to thoroughly dry before nightfall. Since moisture on leaves is necessary for infection to take place, this cultural procedure is very important in cutting down on foliage infection.
- A regular fungicide spray program throughout the growing season is generally necessary to control blackspot.
- Most fungicides can safely be combined with insecticides and miticides and will perform better when small amount of spreader- sticker material is added to the spray solution. Dust formulations of rose fungicides generally don't provide the same level of control as liquids.
- Regularity of spraying and thorough coverage are important to control. It's important to realize that fungicides protect plants from infection, and once the black spot fungus has invaded foliage, fungicide application is of limited value. For this reason, keep your plants covered with a protective fungicide at all times during the growing season
- If only a few leaves show symptoms of black spot, remove and burn them. This will cut down on fungus spread to healthy foliage. Remove all diseased leaves from around the plants in the fall and destroy.
- New plantings should be in areas with good air circulation to promote rapid drying of leaves. Also, avoid shady areas and dense plantings where high humidity problems are most likely to occur.
Just how
important is rose disease control? Any successful grower will tell you,
"Don't even think about growing roses unless you are willing to devote
special attention to the control of diseases and other pests." Yet, for
individuals who are truly fond of roses, the pleasure of producing their
own blooms will justify the time and expense required to keep disease
problems to a minimum.
For additional information on blackspot and other rose diseases, check with us at your county Extension office.
Infobytes newsletter was written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew, Extension Specialist.
Use of Epsom Salt in Gardening
Posted by Unknown in Advise and Tips, Epsom Salt, Gardening, Green Chili Pepper, Rose, Tomato on Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Spraying epsom
salt on plants that boost magnesium supply to plants and increase yeild.
Spraying 1 table spoon of epsom salt mix with 4 litre of water twice
with 10 days gap could be use for good result. Tomatoes, peppers and
rose can benefit extraordinarily
Banana Peel Compost for Rose
Posted by Unknown in Advise and Tips, Banana, Manure and Composting, Rose on Friday, 29 March 2013
Bury a banana peel 1" down at the base of a rosebush. The potassium will feed the plant and help it fight of diseases.
Choosing Your Roses
Posted by Unknown in Flower, Horticulture and Floriculture, Rose on Saturday, 23 March 2013
Flowering Gardening Guide
Roses have long been a favorite among all types of gardeners, and roses continue to enjoy great popularity today.
Roses are perennial flowers of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. That family contains over 100 species and comes in a variety of colors. Besides that, many thousands of rose hybrids and cultivars have been bred and selected for garden use. In addition to their beauty as cut flowers and in bouquets, roses are among the most useful and attractive flowers to grace the landscape of any home.
As a matter of fact, the exterior of any home can be made more graceful and more inviting through the use of wonderful landscape roses. Choosing the forms and colors will ensue that they compliment the overall style of your home and contribute to the overall success of your landscape design.
Fortunately, the number of ornamental landscape roses make finding them an easy task. The difficulty consists of choosing the right ones from this sheer endless variety. There are a number of classes of roses whose characteristics make them great for use as landscape ornamentals. For instance, the gardener who wants to grow roses up and over an archway or a trellis may want to use tall growing tea roses. Tea roses are renowned for their nodding blooms, therefore all who pass under the arch would be treated to the beautiful sight of roses in full bloom.
To accent a wall or other permanent structure, a true climbing rose is often the best choice. True climbing roses can be trained to many different effects, including climbing up the length of the structure, or accenting the tops and sides of a wall or building.
The Polyantha or modern day Floribunda rose is a great choice for gardeners looking for a vibrant splash of color for the background. These popular varieties of roses have large sprays of blooms, and they are popular choices for providing color in the landscape.
If roses are to be planted in front of other plants in the landscape, miniature or low growing China roses are a perfect choice. Roses can even be used as hedges, with modern Shrub roses and Rugosa roses being excellent choices.
Of course, as with any aspect of gardening, color is an important consideration. After all, every gardener’s goal is a garden full of colorful, vibrant and healthy plants. Fortunately, roses come in so many shapes, sizes, textures and colors that there truly is a rose for every gardener.
The goal of choosing the best color roses for the landscape should be to compliment the color of the surrounding landscape. For instance, a spray of plain white tea roses can be striking against a dark red brick home, or an arrangement of pink roses can be the perfect compliment to a stone or marble entranceway. With so many colors of roses to choose from, it should be easy to find colors that compliment and enhance any decorating scheme.
One popular trend in the world of landscaping is to use a variety of different plants and flowers in the landscape. Whereas single species landscaping was in vogue a few years ago, most of today’s gardeners like to use a mix of different colors, species and styles of plants. Doing so not only makes for a vibrant garden, but it is thought to enhance the health of the soil as well. My rule of thumb: Design your garden like Mother Nature would do it.
Fortunately, roses lend themselves well to this mixture, and roses can be a beautiful part of an overall landscape of plants and flowers. In addition, there are roses suitable for a variety of climates. Choosing the best rose varieties for your specific climate should mean fewer pesticides, few disease issues and an overall healthier garden.
