Epsom Salt?

I bought Epsom Salt because I heard that it is good to have handy around the house for many various things, kind of like Baking Soda. Just recently, I read somewhere, on a forum I guess, that it is good for fertilizer. How is it used?

 

The science behind the use of
Epsom salts is only applicable to
intensive crop production in situations
where magnesium is known to be
deficient in the soil or in the plants. It
is irresponsible to advise gardeners and
other plant enthusiasts to apply Epsom
salts, or any chemical, without regard
to soil conditions, plant needs, and
environmental health

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda ...yths_files/Myths/magazine pdfs/EpsomSalts.pdf

 

Thank you.

Is there a way I can test my soil? Is there a DIY kit, like for fishtanks, or do I have to have it done?

 

You can generally get a soil PH tester from a local garden shop. They also make soil test kits much like those used for a swimming pool! They are very easy to use, and it does not take time to figure it out. Generally though if your using a soil that has been composted, or are already using some kind of nutrient and are gardening out side you should be ok. soil nutrient deficiencies happen when a garden see many high yield crops year after year, much like a produce production farm. In these instances the soil is quickly depleted of its natural nutrients. That all being said it is still good to test the PH etc. of your soil to make sure you are providing the right amount of sed nutrients to grow happy healthy plants!

 

Some soils are naturally deficient, before the plot is ever cropped.

 

I would like to test my soil to see where we stand. I want everything to be as perfect as possible. All I know is that the soil is not a dark color. I know that dark is supposed to be good.