Are Epsom salts really good for plants? Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate and it has been used as a specific fertilizer for some plants in the garden.
Epsom salt was believed to have been discovered by accident, however, many have gone ahead to have these plants used to provide minerals to the soil. It is mainly used as a bathing salt to treat mental and physical health ailments.
Epsom salt is unlike table sodium salt but it has been used for years as a pain reliever and generally healing agent. Gardeners have recently adopted this salt in the garden and there are concerns it might not be beneficial to plants.
Most plants crave magnesium and Epsom salt contains quite a great amount of this hence people tend to feed it to plants. Nearly all plants like Epsom plants and it will not only help them grow but increase yield as well.
Epsom Salt In Gardening-Explained
The concept of using Epsom salt in the garden is not a new one. This salt contains hydrated magnesium sulfate hence farmers use it to improve some plant growth and enhance a plant’s green color.
However, the question many still ask is does Epsom salt really work for plants? Epsom can be quite beneficial to some plants and it can also help plants grow bushier.
Epsom salt is used to boost nutrient intake in plants however there are ways to do this and there are also plants that don’t need this extra nutrient. There are specified doses of Epsom salt you can use and too much of this will promote soil toxicity which in turn can lead to blossom end rot and sometimes death.
Nearly all plant needs hydrated magnesium from Epsom salt and it never hurts to add it to your plants provided the right amount is used. Magnesium can greatly increase the growth of a plant and in addition, it can help plants produce healthier fruits and flowers.
Epsom salt poses very little danger and it’s a much-preferred option to some commercial fertilizers. So, if your soil is deficient in sulfur and magnesium, Epsom salt can be a great option. On the other hand, they are best used on plants that require lots of magnesium.
How to Use Epsom Salt As Plant Fertilizer
Epsom salt can be used in the garden for several things. There are definitely relevant reasons to use Epsom salt and gardeners claim the effect it has on plants is worth it. If the soil is depleted of nutrients, Epsom salt can be used to restore nutrients safely and it can also be used to neutralize high soil pH.
There are simple and very effective ways to use Epsom salt. It can be added directly to the soil or mixed with water.
The ration of Epsom salt used should depend on the plants you are taking care of. The common way Epsom salt is used in the garden is through a foliar spray, simply mixing the required amount of Epsom salt with water and spraying it on the leaves of the plant. Ensure to have your soil tested for magnesium deficiency before using Epsom salt.
Epsom salt is easily absorbed by plants when diluted with water and each plant has its own Epsom salt requirement hence make sure to know how much your plant needs to avoid excess magnesium intake.
Plants That Like Epsom Salt
Epsom salts have scientifically been proven to help add nutrients to the soil.
While we are aware of plants that will thrive with Epsom salt, If you don’t believe in the effectiveness of Epsom salt then you need to give it a try. Using Epsom salt won’t hurt your plants however you to make sure you are doing it the right way. So, here is a list of plants that like Epsom salt and how to feed them with this magnesium.
1. Tomatoes
Epsom salt is not only useful in providing your plants with magnesium and sulfur but it can also help balance nutrient levels when used on tomatoes. Epsom salt contains micronutrients that are of great benefit to tomatoes. With tomatoes, dissolve one or two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water and drench your tomato plant with this. Repeat the process throughout the season.
2. Roses
Epsom salt may be just what your roses need to bloom this season. The recommendation for feeding Epsom salt to roses is just as simple as that of tomatoes.
Mix half a cup of Epsom salt into the soil around the rose bushes or mix in water and spray around the rose bush and not the leaves. Epsom salts are best applied on roses in spring just as the buds are beginning to open.
3. Beans
Beans are another crop that thrives when Epsom salt is applied. It is best diluted in water when used on beans, a teaspoon of Epsom salt in half-liquid dish soap can be used as a surfactant so it can easily stick to the leaves. You need a large watering that can make spraying your beans easy.
4. Peppers
Epsom salt works for peppers the same way it does for tomatoes. It can help improve nutrients and prevent blossom end rot in your peppers. To spray pepper with Epsom salt, fill a spray bottle with a gallon of water and add two tablespoons of Epsom salt to it. Apply this directly to the leaves to drench the foliage of your pepper.
5. Leafy Vegetables
Your leafy vegetables will grow happily when Epsom salt is applied. Epsom salt can improve the flavor and enhance the color of the vegetable. Epsom salt can also help prevent vegetables from being bushy. Proactively mix Epsom salt with fertilizer and add it to your vegetables monthly.
6. Flowers
Epsom salt is regarded as the secret that helps flowers bloom. Various flowers have been discovered to benefit from the use of Epsom salt.
Rather than feeding your flowers with packaged organic fertilizer, Epsom salt can be used instead. Epsom salt should not be used on flowers or houseplants in containers though as they are susceptible to magnesium toxicity. Mix One teaspoon with a gallon of water and space once a month.
When Not To Use Epsom Salt In The Garden
It never hurts to try Epsom salt in your garden but certain conditions are not ideal for the use of Epsom salt.
Epsom consists of magnesium that can greatly improve your plants. However, there are some situations where Epsom salt should not be used. Here are situations in which Epsom salt should not be used.
- Some plants suffer from magnesium deficiency which doesn’t mean the soil doesn’t have enough magnesium. Using Epsom soil in this situation is pointless as it is the phosphorus level of the soil that needs to be increased so your plant can absorb the magnesium in the soil.
- If you have acidic soil, refrain from using Epsom salt as this would only exacerbate the problem.
- Epsom salt should not be used as a fertilizer substitute as it does not contain the essential nutrients in fertilizers.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that Epsom salt is not some miracle cure for your garden plants and it still requires being careful. It can be used to deter some garden pests such as voles and slugs.
However, you should avoid sprinkling Epsom salt directly on your plants as this might be too potent for some plants.
Furthermore, you should know Epsom salt won’t replace your fertilizer, it does not contain the essential nutrients fertilizers will provide your plants.