For centuries rosarians have known that a half-cup of Epsom salts applied to a rose bush in the spring gives the rose extra vigor and bloom. Why? Because Epsom salts contains magnesium, and magnesium is a key micronutrient for plant growth and development. Specifically, magnesium helps strengthen cell walls and improves plantsÆ uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Over the years, other growers beyond rosarians have taken to utilizing Epsom salt as a means of supplementing their soils with magnesium. But before jumping on the ôEpsom salt bandwagon,ö read on. There are better, more effective, and safer ways to provide your plants with the magnesium they require.

Growth Products' Magnesium Chelate 3% is an organic sugar chelate that is completely soluble and immediately available for plants to utilize. There is no lag time for product breakdown.

Magnesium Chelate 3% has a near-neutral pH of 7.5, and can be used for foliar or soil application on turf, trees, ornamentals and more. Unlike Epsom salts, it does not contain extra sulfur. So if soil tests or visual observation suggest a magnesium deficiency (the most common sign of which is yellowing at the bottom of older leaves), reach for Growth ProductsÆ professional Magnesium Chelate. Improvement is often so dramatic that it can be observed within a few hours of a foliar application!