dannysmom wrote:
Do Epsom salts affect soil ph? I was given a soil ph tester as a gift
and am wondering what to use to adjust soil ph as needed. Thanks.


Being a sulfate, Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are somewhat acidic.
Unless you specifically want to add magnesium, however, I would not use
Epsom salts to adjust the pH.

To reduce the pH, add elemental sulfur to the soil. Granular or
powdered soil sulfur is available at low cost in most nurseries.
Bacteria in the soil convert the sulfur into sulfuric acid.

To increase pH, add lime to the soil.

You want to add Epsom salts when perennials and shrubs fail to produce
new shoots from the base. Today, I divided about a 1/4 cup of Epsom
salts around seven rose bushes to promote new canes for this year's
growing season. I then added another tablespoon to one rose that has
only a single cane (the result of an accident that broke down the bush
last summer). Magnesium will help the roses create new canes from the
bud union.

--
David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/

Natural foods can be harmful: Look at all the
people who die of natural causes.