The Magical Effect of Epsom Salt for your Plants

There has been a long debate as to whether Epsom Salt should be used for gardening or not! In today’s blog we will bust some myths and provide some facts about the uses and benefits of Epsom Salt.

Is Epsom Salt Good For Gardening?

Epsom salts are a naturally occurring mineral, magnesium sulfate. Both Magnesium and Sulfur are essential minerals for plant’s growth. Magnesium is needed by plants to create healthy leaves and for photosynthesis. Sulfur acts as building blocks for a number of different proteins, vitamins and hormones in plants. Hence, Epsom Salt is good for your garden.

Different benefits of Epsom Salt:-

1. Get Lush-Green Leaves with Epsom Salt Foliar Spray

Since Epsom Salt consist of Magnesium and Sulphur, it provides leaves a shine and provide necessary chlorophyll which will make the leaves greener. It promotes growth in plants.

Since Epsom Salt consist of Magnesium and Sulphur, it provides leaves a shine and provide necessary chlorophyll which will make the leaves greener. It promotes growth in plants.

How to use: Mix 1 tsp of Epsom Salt per Litre of water in a spray bottle and shake well. Use this spray 1-2 a month to get that shine!

2. Epsom Salt as Soil Amendment which helps Boosts Nutrient Absorption

Epsom Salt can be used to make the soil more fertile and productive for plant’s growth. It is best if a soil test is conducted to accurately determine the level of Epsom Salt to be added to soil. Magnesium in Epsom Salt helps break Calcium present in the soil, which improves the quality and alkalinity of the soil, and makes soil neutral. It boosts nutrient absorption naturally.

How to use: Sprinkle and mix well of approximately 1 cup of Epsom Salt in 100 sq. ft area.

3. Boost Seed Germination

Magnesium is an important mineral for seed germination. It helps to strengthen cell walls, which helps boost seedling growth. Sulfur is also a key nutrient in soil and is important for seed growth.

How to Use: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt directly into the seed hole before planting OR Mix a tablespoonful of Epsom salts into a litre of water and apply to the soil using a pump sprayer or spray bottle.

4. Prevents Yellowing and Curling of Leaves

If the foliage of your plants are turning yellow and/or curling of leaves, it can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Other signs include leaves turning pale, brown or even red.

Tip: Check that the yellowing of the plants isn’t due to overwatering. Overwatered plants usually look limp and weak, with mushy black roots. If this isn’t the case, your plant may really be suffering from a true magnesium deficiency.

How to Use: Mix 1 tablespoon per 4 ltr of water and drench all over the soil like regular water, or spray the mix over your plant leaves.

5. Epsom Salt to Deter Pest

Epsom Salt can be used to deter snails and other pests. However, in case of heavy infestation, this will not work, this is only a preventive method.

How to Use: Sprinkle a small amount of Epsom salt around the soil of your garden, or apply it close to the base of your plants to deter small bugs from coming back.

6. Helps in Preventing Transplantation Shock

When you are transplanting seedlings or full-grown plants, roots can become stressed, causing them to stop growing. Since Epsom salt boosts chlorophyll levels in plant cells, it improves photosynthesis, which is the process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be used as fuel.

How to Use: Sprinkle some Epsom salts into the soil where you are going to put the plant.

7. Grow Sweeter and More Flavourful Produce

The more chlorophyll the plant produces, the more sugar it produces. Correct and measured application of Epsom Salt can enhance the flavour of the produce.

How to Use (For Tomatoes and Peppers):. Add a tablespoon of Epsom salts to the bottom of each hole prior to transplanting seedlings OR add 1 tbsp of Epsom Salt to arpx. 4 ltr of water to make a liquid feed, which can be added around every couple of weeks.

8. Achieve Beautiful Bloom on your Rose and other Flowering plants

Rose plants, in particular, are susceptible to magnesium deficiency. Hence application of Epsom Salt helps them greatly. Other flowers that benefit from Epsom salts include Chrysanthemums, Sunflowers, and even some orchids.

Tip: Be careful when applying Epsom salts, especially on white roses as they are susceptible to burning if Epsom salts are placed on a sunny day. Try this method every month to strengthen the cell walls and general health of your roses.

How to Use:  There are two methods of using Epsom salt: add 1/4 cup of Epsom salts directly to the soil or dilute it in water.

To mix Epsom salt in water, use a ratio of 1/4 cup Epsom salt per 3.7 ltr of water. After that water it directly over your rose plant.

Myth: Epsom Salts Reduce Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot which generally occurs in Tomato plants and cannot be cured with Epsom Salt for plants. As explain above Epsom Slat contains Sulphur and Magnesium, which are secondary nutrients. However, blossom end rot is caused due to Calcium deficiency, which is also a secondary nutrient.

Use Epsom Salt with Caution: Start with small quantity of fertilizer and increase gradually depending on the size and age of the plant. Also be cautious of not using too much Epsom salt as if can also harm the plant like any other fertilizer. For Foliar usage, don’t spray it on the leaves during the sun, as it can burn the leaves, apply the solution before noon or after sunset.