Inquiring minds what to know. Epsom Salt
Some what lengthy, but it should answer all your questions.
Epsom salts: What it is, what it is, What It Is.
Okay I am going to put my opinion and how I use Epsom Salt out there. Some is my experience and some is my research information.
I have had a number of growers ask me about Epsom Salt and good information on the subject is, how can I say, somewhat lacking. So, I am writing this paper on the subject from my own experiences.
Hopefully it will start a spirited debate and clarify the subject; and who knows, we all could always learn something also.
Growers with minimal growing experience, there's one simple principle that never changes - healthy plants give heavy yields. Satisfy your ladies needs and she will give you resin-laden buds bursting with cannabinoids and terpenes.
So, what’s the answer to making sure your plants are lush, green and full of vigor? The answer is Epsom salts, an organic supplement used by humans’, animals, cannabis plants and other plants. Epsom salt is a natural supplement that was first discovered in Epsom, a small town in Surrey, England. Okay, I said it, enough history.
Now days, it is frequently use by gardens around the world. Epsom salts can be a golden ticket to healthy plants and bountiful yields. If you’re wondering, well Epsom “salt” isn’t salt at all; it’s actually magnesium sulphate. A compound consists of magnesium and sulphur, two essential macronutrients that plants, including cannabis, thrive on.
When do I use it?
Although it's tempting to dose all your cannabis plants with Epsom salts, it's not really needed if your plants are already healthy. However, if you're growing outdoors in soil with low magnesium or your cannabis plants start to show a magnesium deficiency (yellowing fan leaves), then it's time to bust out the Epsom salts. Epsom salts is rooted in magnesium and sulphur. Both work behind the scenes to bolster your cannabis plants in many ways.
What are the benefits of using Epsom salt?
Soil
Cannabis plants need magnesium. Magnesium is an essential macronutrient because it will facilities the uptake of more abundant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Better absorption of nutrients, in turn, comes with a whole host of benefits, including sturdier growth, a more impressive size, and larger yields on top of that. For the most part, you shouldn't need to supplement magnesium if you have a robust soil mix, but you'll quickly notice if plants are lacking. Magnesium deficiency exhibits itself as yellowing leaves, with green veins still visible. It's also common for the lower leaves to show these signs first, before spreading to the rest of the plant if you don't deal with the deficiency.
Your plants need sulphur also. Sulphur acts similarly to magnesium, improving the uptake of other nutrients. However, it also plays a crucial role in your plant's immune system and the production of enzymes, amino acids and vitamins. And, as a final feather in the cap, sulphur is essential for helping cannabis plants manage water in and out of the soil. The benefits of sulphur are especially important if you plant needs a long time to grow, as a robust immune system is needed to deal with the environmental stress.
You are probably now thinking, “how much is this going to cost?”. Epsom salts, is very affordable, and the product is readily available in garden centers across the world.
Just make sure to avoid Epsom salts intended for human use, as these can contain extra additives or chemicals your cannabis plants won't like.
It's common for minerals and supplements to build up in soil, especially if you're enthusiastic with dosing. However, Epsom salts differ, dissolving easily in soil. They won't build up and block roots from getting the nutrients they need.
It goes the same way in hydroponic systems, too, so you can use Epsom salts without worrying about overdoing it and causing more problems than you solve.
I have already mentioned the particular benefit, but it's worth clarifying; both magnesium and sulphur improve the uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Together these elements form the building blocks of cannabis growing, and a
balanced ratio will help your plants reach their full potential.
Did you know without chlorophyll, plants wouldn't be able to absorb sunlight. And, without sunlight, there would be no photosynthesis. That means no growth, no leaves, no buds - nothing. Epsom salts—or—more specifically, magnesium, help with this fundamental process. This essential mineral facilitates the creation of chlorophyll, strengthening the process of photosynthesis, and the growth that happens as a result.
All growers want their cannabis plants to be healthy and well-developed. Fortunately, Epsom salts can help on this front too. By supporting the uptake of nutrients, encouraging photosynthesis, strengthening cell walls, and encouraging the production of essential amino acids, Epsom salts work alongside your plant's natural processes, bolstering their health from the ground up.
The ability of Epsom salt we haven't touched on is to remove sulfites from soil and hydroponic systems. A small amount of sulphites’ is ok, but too much can damage the roots. This, in turn, inhibits germination, stunts growth and causes nutrient deficiencies. Epsom salts, to help you avoid this, gently remove sulfites. This removal also leads to potentially higher rates of germination, while the extra magnesium supports seed formation if pollination and breeding is your goal.
Epsom salts can help significantly with plants kept in the vegetative phase for extended periods. Typically, cannabis plants flower once a year, but some want to promote longevity in mother plants earmarked for cloning or breeding. If you’re in that situation, Epsom salts are a valuable ally. They work to remove any nutrient build-up, and reduce the environmental stress incurred as well. You can essentially reset imbalances mother plants may have picked up throughout their extended veg period.
If your mother plant has taken a turn for the worse, or plants appear rootbound, a dose of Epsom salts could alleviate both problems in one fell swoop. Both mother plants and root-bound cannabis suffer from a build-up in sulphites. A light dose of Epsom salt cleans root cells, kicking them out of a dormant phase, and getting them back into action.
Now for the answer to your question; How to use Epsom Salts?
Perhaps the most significant benefit of Epsom salt is how versatile and straightforward it is to use. Even a small amount can be advantageous for cannabis plants in both soil and hydroponic growing mediums.
IN SOIL
For germination and seedlings, I recommend using one teaspoon per 5 litres of water. However, don't apply the solution directly. Instead, diffuse it using a spray bottle, and give plants a light misting once every 2-3 days. If you’re spraying plants, try to do it when the lights are off, or towards the end of your plants light schedule to prevent light burn.
For mature cannabis plants, you can water plants directly using the same ratios outlined above. Remember, Epsom salts prove most effective in soil already lacking magnesium. If your soil has a high pH (7 or above), consider full watering with Epsom salts to replenish the nutrient balance.
IN HYDRO
For hydro setups, following the same dosing recommendation as soil, but only if you're applying Epsom salts via a foliar spray. And, just like soil, avoid spraying your hydro cannabis plants when the lights are on, as this can cause light burn.
If you want to mix Epsom salts directly with your hydroponic system, it has been recommended add up to 2 tablespoons per 5 litres of water. I have never had to go that high. For an even consistency, it also helps to dissolve the Epsom salts in lukewarm water first.
Can you use too much Epsom Salt?
Too much magnesium and sulphur can still damage your plants, blocking the uptake of other essential nutrients.
However, that being said, it's incredibly challenging to overdo Epsom salts. As long as you stick to the recommended dosage
guidelines, you shouldn't have any problems.
But, of course, every setup and every cannabis plant is unique, so use your judgment.
In most cases, I recommend starting with a low dose of Epsom salts and increasing as needed. Overall, with a balanced approach, Epsom salts are a simple and highly valuable addition to any grower’s arsenal of nutrients.
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