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Iron sulphate question - lawn experts?

LynLyn Posts: 23,190
in Problem solving
We have used iron sulphate on our grass this year with good results.  As it hasn’t killed the weeds (we don’t mind that),  could it be used on a lawn that has hundreds of snowdrop bulbs planted.  Don’t want to lose the bulbs as they’ve been there for years but now the grass is all moss. 
Question is,  could we treat this patch safely without harming the snowdrops.  If so,  when would be the best time.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Since this is used to increase the number of bulbs produced by Iris, I imagine that it does not harm Snowdrops. Now is as good a time as any to apply it to the lawn.
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Iron sulphate doesn't kill weeds or affect bulbs in the ground. 
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Brilliant,  thank you,  I know it doesn’t kill weeds,  that’s why we’ve been using it on the lawns,  but wasn’t sure about the bulbs.  We’ll go ahead and use it now on the snowdrop lawn. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • MrMowMrMow Posts: 160
    Just be careful on how many times you apply. Iron sulphate is full of salt. And that it can destroy your soil biology. 

    Bacteria will recover quickly but Fungi will take a lot more time. 
    I never knew retirement would be so busy. :smile:




  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    This will be the first time ever to use it on the bulbs bit,  it’s only the road side verge that we’ve tended for umpteen years.  I’m sure it will be ok now I’m assured it won’t harm the bulbs.  People stop to look at them,  one man brings his wife out every year to see them,  I’d hate to lose them. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • MrMowMrMow Posts: 160
    Good to hear the product is limited. 

    I hate it , it’s way over used when it’s not needed. 

    Looking forward to a photo. 

    Just done some gardening today and discovered what I think is Allium bulbs some tiny and some a decent size smell a bit like onions. 

    Time for some you tube to learn. 
    I never knew retirement would be so busy. :smile:




  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Iron sulphate  FeSO4, contains iron, Sulphur and Oxygen. Salt is Sodium Chloride.
     Na Cl.   No sodium or chloride in Iron sulphate.
  • MrMowMrMow Posts: 160
    Not from what I have read
    I never knew retirement would be so busy. :smile:




  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I’ve search the net,  I can’t find any proof there’s salt in the box of iron sulphate,  I’m sure they wouldn’t recommend you amending your soil with it,  placing it around your ericaceous plants. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
     Ferrous sulphate is the sulphate salt of Iron.  There are lots of chemical salts.  However what most people refer to is salt is Sodium Chloride  not ferrous sulphate.  I did pass my A level in Chemistry.
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