I regularly receive press releases from the Epsom Salt Council boasting of the fabulous qualities of the stuff. The most recent tells me that Epsom Salt helps seeds germinate, makes plants grow bushier, produces more flowers, increases chlorophyll production, improves phosphorus and nitrogen uptake, and deters pests such as slugs and voles.
It seems to do everything but plant the seeds for you, according to the press releases. Be skeptical.
The idea of using an inexpensive, folksy household product in the garden holds a certain amount of appeal. But most of the claims made by the Epsom Salt Council don’t have much, if any, scientific backing. Linda Chalker-Scott, an extension agent and urban horticulturist, discussed what scientists do and don’t know about the stuff in Master Gardener Magazine. You can read her story for free online at www.mastergardeneronline.com. Look under the spring 2007 issue table of contents for “Miracle or Myth?”
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