Epsom salt is said to boost turfgrass growth, but is it actually effective?
But isEpsom salt actually good for turfgrass?
In this case, the research on Epsom salt and plants is pretty clear.
Credit:Bob Stefko
Here’s what you should know about using it on your lawn.
What Is Epsom Salt?
Some people claim the granular products benefits extend beyond the bathtub to the landscape.
Heres the connection: Epsom salt contains magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential part of chlorophyll; it absorbs the sunlight during photosynthesis to make energy for plants.
However, while magnesium is necessary for plant life, it is rarely deficient in most home landscape soil.
Average soil contains plenty of magnesium for vigorous growth of everything from turfgrass to flowering shrubs to vegetables.
Extremely sandy soilthat drains quicklycommonly found in the Southwestsometimes lacks magnesium.
Heavy clay can also pose a challenge.
Plants growing inheavy claymight develop yellowing between leaf veinsa sign of magnesium deficiency.
Epsom Salt and Your Lawn
Is there any instance when spreading Epsom salt over turfgrass is beneficial?
The short answer is no.
The necessary amount of magnesium for your lawn is almost always available to grass roots.
There are many online soil testing services.
A reputable soil testing facility will provide detailed instructions for amending your soil for the best growth.
Epsom salt isnt an effective fertilizer for any landscape plant.
There is no scientific evidence for these claims.
Do not use Epsom salt in the landscape; keep it in the bath.
Grow great turf and support the surrounding environment with these tips from top university turfgrass research programs.
Recycle Lawn Clippings
Dont bag clippings when mowing.
Instead, let them fall back onto the lawn.
The clippings quickly decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil.
Scientists have found thatreturning clippings to the lawnfor one year delivers the nutrient value of one fertilizer utility.
If you only fertilize turfgrass once a year, late summer or fall is the best time.
Avoid fertilizing turfgrass exclusively in spring, as it promotes shoot growth at the expense of root growth.
Use Slow-Release Products
Look for lawn fertilizers that containslow-release nitrogenas opposed to quick-release.
Slow-release fertilizers promote sustained, measured growth (rather than a fast flush of growth thatdemands frequent mowing.
They are also less likely to burn turfgrass and less likely to leach into groundwater.
Slow-release fertilizers encourage strong root growth.
Read product label instructions for specific directions.
If the fertilizer is spread over dry soil, soak the lawn with about an inch of water.
Embrace Dormancy
Turfgrass naturallytransitions into dormancyto withstand heat, drought, or cold.
No amount of fertilizer will bring the lawn out of dormancy; the growing conditions must change.
Instead of coddling grass with irrigation and fertilizer to prevent it from going dormant, embrace this natural response.
Be ready to fortify turf with slow-release fertilizer when it begins to grow again.
