North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Hilborn.E@epamail.epa.gov]

 "if the soil has sufficient magnesium already, adding more (Epsom
Salts) won't
do anything.  If your soil lacks sufficient magnesium, then Epsom Salts
will
make a difference.  Epsom Salts is a quick release form of magnesium but

Dolomite is more often the recommended source of magnesium  because it
is a
slow release form and not as likely to be leeched away.  Sandy soils
tend to
need magnesium whereas calcareous tend to have a sufficient amount.
    Soils either have magnesium or they don't whereas nitrogen is
replenished regularly.  Nitrogen dissolved in rain is converted to a
form of
nitrogen that plants can use through the action of soil bacteria."

Jim,
Thanks for the explanation. I have had great success with Epsom salts on
my gardenias, but I will try dolomite as a longer term solution.

Betsy Hilborn
7a NC