Using Epsom salt for cucumbers it gives better results for you when use it in a correct way.
If your plants have sufficient magnesium it will boost seed germination by strengthening cell walls and produce energy for growth. Sulphur can be lost during germination process, so you have to apply one tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water to the soil after seeding.
If you overdo, it can harm them.
Here you have to know why, how and when you should use it.
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Why should we use Epsom salt for cucumber plants?
Epsom salt chemical name is magnesium sulphate (MGSO4). It contains magnesium and sulphur when you add to the soil it will cure the deficiencies in one or both two elements. It’s important to know without these essential nutrients your plants will grow health problems.
Let’s see what these nutrients can do and why Epsom salt can help your plants to grow successfully.
Magnesium
Magnesium has a key role in photosynthesis and essential for the production of chlorophyll, which gives green colour to its leaves.
Therefore, it is necessary for the normal growth. If the plants can’t get as much as required then you can see reduction in your cucumber yield.
The first symptom of deficiency in plants are older leaves can turn yellow as they lose chlorophyll is known as chlorosis. As new growth consumes magnesium, the lower leaves are first affected. You will notice a yellowish colour between the main veins of the leaves, which eventually results in light brown burns, which can lead to tissue death in severe cases.
But the green stripes are still visible. Magnesium deficiency is common in areas with light, sandy and acid soils. Especially in areas where heavy rain washes from the ground. Be vigilant in tunnels or containers, as defects are common and often appear in the middle of the season.
Top level potassium and ammonia lead to reduction in magnesium in the soil. So be careful while adding fertilizers.
Sulphur
Sulphur is essential need for amino acids and coenzymes in your cucumber plant. Lack of sulphur becomes evident in new leaves and observed as yellowing of the foliage.
If you can difference it from other deficiencies cause chlorosis due to leaf veins doesn’t stay green.
When you apply Epsom salt to cucumber plant?
Few people have tested their soil so they can find accurate mineral composition and whether they need to know add any nutrients are not.
But most people are not accurate about things and simply add a bit of fertilizers to their plants and watch for their development.
In growing season, if you observe the symptom of lack of magnesium or sulphur as your plant grow, then you add few amount Epsom salt.
Even if they are not getting the sign of deficiency, give the soil boosting with Epsom salt which can improve your results. As far as you will don’t overdo it.
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How do you treat cucumbers with Epsom salt?
Consequentially, give one dose of Epsom salt is needed to place your cucumber plant happy, until it will shows the sign of deficiency.
If you are planted in a pot give a dose for each 4-5 weeks when you notice the symptoms.
If you are planted in your garden then use it one dose for every 4-6 weeks.
Can you use too much?
If you use regularly it will damage your plants or kill the plant.
You will start to wilt, and then a visible sign of salts appears on the leaves as they dry out.
How you use Epsom salt for cucumbers?
They are 4 types of using Epsom salt for cucumber plants:
- Watering
- Foliar spray
- Side dressing
- First planting
Let’s check how you will use Epsom salt in each type:
Watering
The simplest way to add Epsom salt to your plant is combining with your water and uses it while you’re watering the plants.
For 1 gallon of water add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt. Combine it together that the Epsom salt totally dissolves in water.
To watering container or can add Epsom salt solution and use it when to water your plants.
Foliar spray
You will need handheld garden sprayer to use Epsom salt as a foliar spray.
The idea is that plants get their nutrients through leaves instead of roots. So you should get close and make sure they have good contact with the solution. This is not a substitute for watering the plants regularly, but just a way to help the plants get the nutrients they lack.
Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a 1 gallon of water
Combine it together well and pour it into spray bottle.
Side dressing
It is uncomplicated achievement than the previous two, but it is not easier and quicker.
Allow to sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salt near the base of the plant. It’s the best to give boosting for your plant in mid season.
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When first planting
If you know the magnesium deficiency in the soil. You can add Epsom salt while planting the seedling of your cucumber plant.
Mix 1-2 tablespoon of Epsom salt with the soil when you plant them. Otherwise you can combine with your fertilizers before applying it.
The bottom line of cucumber is to ensure that the plant is healthy and yields the best. Epsom salt is one of the easiest and cheapest methods.