Ah,Epsomsalts. The very thought of them conjures up feelings of healing and relaxation based on the popularEpsomsalt bath soaks that are sold in packages with a variety of different herb-enhanced scents.
Today, there’s a lot of chatter about using this fairly common and cheap mineral on our garden plants. THey are often touted to correct nutrient deficiencies and produce bigger plants with more flowers, along with many other claims.
But areEpsomsalts really the cure-all they’re touted to be?In this article, we take a look at the use of Epsom salts in your garden. We examine Epsom salt uses in both organic gardening and non-organic gardening.
Contents
- 1 What AreEpsomSalts?
- 2 How AreEpsomSalts Being Used Currently in the Garden?
- 3 The Science of Epsom Salts
- 3.1 Magnesium
- 3.2 Sulfate
- 4 Epsom Salts and Plant Usage
- 5 Epsom Salt Application Drawbacks
- 6 Should I Use Epsom Salts on My Plants?
- 6.1 Fertilizer
- 6.2 Other Reasons
- 7 Final Thoughts
What AreEpsomSalts?
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), is a naturally occurring mineral that derives its name from Epsom, England, where sources of water in the area are rich with this type of salt.
Thehistoryof this salt is that a farmer tried to water his cattle from a pool of water near a spring and discovered that the cattle would not drink the water. He tasted it and found that the water was bitter. An apothecary found out about this source and began promoting the water’s “healing properties.” By 1640, this “medicinal” water was being used as a spa and the rest is… well, history.
Today, it appears thatEpsomsalts are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory properties. You can take a stroll down one of the self-care and beauty aisles and probably find a bag of scentedEpsomsalts to use in your bathwater.
How AreEpsomSalts Being Used Currently in the Garden?
There are lots of articles talking aboutEpsomsalts and how they can be used in the garden. People tend to gravitate towards the idea of a cheap, one-size-fits-all scheme. Then you pack that in with the item being a “naturally occurring” mineral. Now you’ve got yourself a winner for the average consumer.
Some of theEpsomsaltclaimsare thatEpsomsalts can be used to make plants bushier, to help with germination or nutrient uptake, to produce more flowers, to discourage pests. Similar to neem oil in gardening, the list could probably go on. Various articles will recommend applyingEpsomsalts to your trees, shrubs, tomatoes, roses, and even your lawn.
To be frank, I’ve heard chatter amongst people in the independent garden center industry. How to useEpsomsalts is probably one of the least favorite questions folks in the industry get from their customers!
In order to get the skinny onEpsomsalt use in the garden, let’s first talk a little science.
The Science of Epsom Salts
Magnesium sulfate, orEpsomsalt, is made up of twoions, positively charged magnesium (Mg²+) and negatively charged sulfate (SO42-). If you can’t recall chemistry class in high school, then note that an ion is an atom or molecule with a net charge due to electron loss or gain.
Magnesium
Plants take up all sorts of ions as nutrients and use them to grow and thrive. Magnesium is taken up through the plant and used as the primary constituent of chlorophyll, and without chlorophyll, photosynthesis (the process that helps the plant make sugars) would not occur. This element is also important for protein synthesis and plant metabolism in general.
You’ll see signs of magnesium deficiency on the lower, older leaves first because magnesium is mobile throughout plants. In most plants, you’ll see interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between the veins of the leaves). Leaf tissue will eventually turn brown and die if the magnesium deficiency is severe. Some plants may develop other symptoms, like the lower leaves having a reddish-purple cast.
Deficiencies in magnesium can be caused by many things. First, your soil may be lacking in magnesium. Sandy, acidic soils are most likely to be deficient in magnesium.
Second, excessive amounts of calcium or potassium may also lead to magnesium deficiency in plants. This is because these positively charged ions compete with each other for plant root uptake and attachment to the negatively charged sites in the soil.
Sulfate
Sulfate is a molecule composed of sulfur and oxygen. It’s taken up by plants and used for synthesis of certain amino acids. For some leafy vegetables, plants can become deficient in sulfur. The result can be a buildup of nitrates in the leaves. This reduces food quality. Sulfur is also required for the synthesis of fatty acids and the synthesis of chlorophyll. Additionally, sulfur is a component of the compounds that make the characteristic taste and smell of the mustard and onion plant families.
Sulfur deficiency causes stunted, thin-stemmed, and spindly plants overall. Symptoms occur first in the younger leaves. Sulfur uptake of plants is primarily through the uptake of sulfate (SO42-) molecules. Small quantities of sulfur can be obtained by plants through the uptake of sulfur dioxide (SO2) through the leaves, though too much can be toxic.
Many people believe that the sulfur inEpsomsalts can help alter the soil pH. Soil pH is a level that measures the acidity or alkalinity of your soil and ultimately determines what plant nutrients are available to a growing plant. Applications of elemental sulfur (S) can react with soil water to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which then acidifies (or drops) the pH level of the soil. However, the sulfate ion inEpsomsalts does not react with soil water to form sulfuric acid. Therefore, it has no effect on soilpH.
Epsom Salts and Plant Usage
In the mid-1900s, researchers noticed that many orchards were suffering from a “leaf blotch,” and this was attributed to a magnesium deficiency. For several decades afterward, magnesium sulfate was applied to the soil and leaves of orchard trees. This was solely put into place to correct magnesium deficiency. But further research was inconclusive as to whether this application of magnesium sulfate really helped the problem.
However, because foliar sprays can sometimes produce an immediate positive effect on plants, magnesium sulfate was continuously used to treat this leaf blotch phenomenon. Foliar sprays are a temporary fix, as they do nothing to alleviate soil nutrient deficiencies.
Epsom Salt Application Drawbacks
Epsom salts are just asdescribed – theyaresalts. An excessive salt application can causesalt injuryin plants. Namely browning, dieback, reduced plant vigor, delay in fruit or seed production, and even death.
Excessive use ofEpsomsalts can also lead to deficiencies in other plant nutrients. Plants may end up deficient in nutrients like manganese, iron, boron, potassium, and calcium. Root colonization of beneficial microbes, like nitrogen-fixing bacteria, can also be reduced due to excessive magnesium sulfate use.
Lastly, excessive amounts of magnesium in the soil can lead to the release of toxic aluminum. This can then be taken up by plants or released into aquatic ecosystems.
Should I Use Epsom Salts on My Plants?
Before making an application ofEpsomsalts to your garden, you should first ask yourself:What is the goal I’m trying to obtain?
Fertilizer
Thinking of usingEpsomsalts in your garden as a cheap fertilizer source? Then, the first thing you should do is test your soil. There are at-home test kits available, but obtaining analysis from a reputable soil lab is the best way to go.
You can collect a soil sample and ask your local extension office to help you find a soil lab. The lab can test your soil, or you send off a soil sample to a soil lab yourself. The great thing about a soil test is that you will learn your soil pH, organic matter percentage, nutrient levels, and much, much more. Some soil labs will even provide fertilizer recommendations based on the levels of your nutrients in the soil!
Next, if you see that your soil is low on magnesium, then maybe a magnesium sulfate fertilizer application is right for your garden. Remember that a foliar application of magnesium sulfate is only a quick fix.
If you want to increase the magnesium levels in your soil, then you’ll need to make a soil application. There areother fertilizer sourcesthat can add magnesium to your soil as well, so you may consider an application ofdolomitic limestone, sulfate of potash magnesia, or magnesium oxide.
Check the fertilizer label to acquiesce magnesium content of the fertilizer you are using. Then, use the fertilizer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Most commercially made fertilizers that are used for flowers and vegetables are typically balanced in their magnesium content.
The important thing to remember is that you should diagnose what is going on in your gardenBEFOREyou apply fertilizer of any sort. Choosing a solution before diagnosing the problem will not guarantee intended results.
Other Reasons
If your goal is to deter pests, change soil pH, help seeds germinate, produce more flowers, or make plants bushier, then an application ofEpsomsalts may not help. In fact, it mayharmyour plants, especially with overuse.
If you are trying to remedy anything besides a magnesium deficiency, then you should consider other factors related to these problems. Is your plant receiving ample sunlight and water? Is your soil compacted and/or draining properly? Have you properly pruned or pinched the plant if needed? Is your soil lacking in any of the macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). What is your soil pH and what is the soil pH requirement for the plant(s) you are growing?
Final Thoughts
In an age where consumers are looking for “natural,” one-size-fits-all remedies for their gardening problems, there’s been a lot of talk aboutEpsomsalt application. The important lessons you should have learned from this article are:
- Do not applyepsomsalts to your garden without a soil test first. Send your sample to a reputable soil lab first. Ask your local extension agent to help you read the results if you’re unsure what you’re looking at. Most soils are unlikely to have severe magnesium deficiencies. Though, sandy, acidic soils seem to have the most aptitude for being Mg-deficient.
- If your soil is deficient in magnesium and your plants are displaying magnesium deficiencies, then maybe a magnesium fertilizer is the way to go, whether it is magnesium sulfate (epsomsalt) or another magnesium-based fertilizer.
- Foliar sprays do not correctsoilnutrient deficiencies, no matter whether the deficiency is of magnesium or another nutrient.
- Epsom salts are not a cure-all for your garden. If you’re looking to deter pests, correct soil pH, help seeds germinate, make plants bushier, or produce more flowers, consider what other factors may be influencing your garden before you apply this “salty” fertilizer. You may end up doing more harm than good.
If you’re interested in learning more aboutEpsomsalts in the garden, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott has an excellentarticlepublished through Washington State Universitythat goes into further explanation of whyEpsomsalts are not the cure-all for the garden that they’re touted to be. No matter what you apply in the garden, remember to not put the cart before the horse. After all, there’s no need to fix a problem that’s invisible.
FAQs
Can Epsom salt be used in organic gardening? ›
Increased Nutrient Absorption: Adding Epsom Salt to your soil can assist your plants in the absorption of soil nutrients. The use of Epsom Salt can greatly reduce the need for chemical fertilizers – avoiding those chemical fertilizers is essential for anyone who chooses to stick to organic, natural gardening.
Are there any plants you should not use Epsom salt on? ›Carnivorous plants — Pitcher plants, venus flytraps, and sundews are some insect-eating plants that should not be applied with Epsom salts. Because they are adapted to grow in mineral-poor and depleted soil, supplementing fertilizers with even a tiny dosage could mean death to the bug-trapping ornamentals.
Should Epsom salts be organic? ›Since Epsom Salts are “of the earth”, meaning they are a harvested product found in well water, they is considered organic, and subsequently are considered safe for organic gardening.
What vegetables grow better with Epsom salt? ›Epsom salts are known to be beneficial to some plants in some situations. Primarily, roses, tomatoes, and peppers are the key plants that can take advantage of the magnesium levels contained in Epsom salts.
What plants should you put Epsom salt on? ›Epsom salt can improve the blooms of flowering and green shrubs, especially evergreens, azaleas and rhododendrons. Work in one tablespoon of Ultra Epsom Salt per nine square feet of bush into the soil, over the root zone, which allows the shrubs to absorb the nutritional benefits.
Do all plants like Epsom salt water? ›Summary. Epsom salt is a popular DIY fertilizer for outdoor and indoor plants. And while it has been shown to boost the magnesium and sulfur content of soil, horticulture experts say it should only be used on plants with known deficiencies in those nutrients.
Can you feed all plants with Epsom salts? ›If the soil becomes depleted of magnesium, adding Epsom salt will help; and since it poses little danger of overuse like most commercial fertilizers, you can use it safely on nearly all your garden plants.
How often should you use Epsom salt on plants? ›Mattson – who adds Epsom salt to his fertilizer for plants such as roses, pansies, petunias and impatiens – says gardeners can proactively mix Epsom salt with fertilizer and add it to their soil monthly, or they can mix one tablespoon with a gallon of water and spray leaves directly every two weeks.
When should you not use Epsom salt? ›- severe stomach pain;
- nausea or vomiting;
- a perforated bowel;
- a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
- colitis or toxic megacolon; or.
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer.
While Epsom salt is generally safe, there are a few negative effects that can occur when you take it by mouth. First of all, the magnesium sulfate in it can have a laxative effect. Consuming it may result in diarrhea, bloating, or upset stomach ( 4 , 13 ).
Is there anything better than Epsom salt? ›
Put simply, magnesium chloride flakes absorb more easily into the body than Epsom salts. As a result, magnesium chloride flakes have been shown to: Provide more concentrated bio-available magnesium into the body, and. Create more intense and longer-lasting effects.
Are old coffee grounds good for plants? ›Fertilize Your Garden
Coffee grounds contain several key minerals for plant growth — nitrogen, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and chromium ( 1 ). They may also help absorb heavy metals that can contaminate soil ( 2 , 3 ). What's more, coffee grounds help attract worms, which are great for your garden.
Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
What plants don't like coffee grounds? ›In most cases, the grounds are too acidic to be used directly on soil, even for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas and hollies. Coffee grounds inhibit the growth of some plants, including geranium, asparagus fern, Chinese mustard and Italian ryegrass.
What happens if you put too much Epsom salt on plants? ›When using too much Epsom salt, you could cause an imbalance in your soil. This imbalance can lead to stunted growth in your plants, dark foliage, burned roots, and can also make it difficult for your plants to absorb calcium. Therefore, before you start adding Epsom salt to your garden, be sure to test your soil.
Do tomatoes like Epsom salt? ›Epsom salt used as a foliar spray or soil additive will help tomato and pepper plants grow and produce larger tastier yields.
What does baking soda do for plants? ›Baking soda helps the plants become less acidic and prevents fungal growth.
Can you put too much Epsom salt on tomato plants? ›If you treat your tomato plants with excess Epsom salts when the soil is low in calcium, you risk excess blossom end rot. Calcium and magnesium compete for uptake – and blossom end rot is a condition associated with blighted calcium uptake, which could be induced by too much magnesium.
Can you sprinkle Epsom salt around tomatoes? ›One trick is to put a scoop of Epsom salt into each hole when planting tomatoes. Some gardeners swear it prevents blossom end rot. It's time to debunk that myth. Epsom salt doesn't stop blossom end rot—it leads to more of it.
Is Vinegar good for plants? ›Though vinegar can be fatal to many common plants, others, like rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias, thrive on acidity which makes a bit of vinegar the best pick-me-up. Combine one cup of plain white vinegar with a gallon of water and use the next time you water these plants to see some amazing results.
Which plants like eggshells? ›
Plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants in particular will benefit from shell fertilizer, Savio said. The extra calcium will help prevent blossom-end rot. Broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, spinach and amaranth are also calcium-packed and could use extra from eggshells.
Why are the leaves on my plant turning yellow? ›Poor drainage or improper watering
Water issues — either too much or too little — are the leading reason behind yellow leaves. In overly wet soil, roots can't breathe. They suffocate, shut down and stop delivering the water and nutrients plants need. Underwatering, or drought, has a similar effect.
Hydrogen peroxide helps encourage healthy root growth because of the extra oxygen molecule. Oxygen can help plant roots absorb nutrients from the soil. Therefore, this extra bit of oxygen better enables the roots to absorb more nutrients, which means faster, healthier, and more vigorous growth.
Is Epsom salt good for tomatoes and cucumbers? ›Adding Epsom salt to the soil tomatoes are growing in can actually promote blossom-end rot, a truly disappointing garden woe. The tomatoes start to bear fruit and then rot on the bottom. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the plants.
Are Epsom salts good for hydrangeas? ›The short answer is yes it will – Epsom Salts is Magnesium sulfate and Sulfur is the mineral that we apply to the soil to lower the pH. You will also be applying Magnesium which should help enhance the color of your foliage since Magnesium is needed for chlorophyll production.
How much Epsom salt do you put in a gallon of water? ›This is because hot water can temporarily lower blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic recommends adults use 2 cups of Epsom salt per gallon of warm water. More than that can make the water feel slippery.
Do all plants benefit from Epsom salts? ›Fact: Spread or spray Epsom salt fertilizer on your lawn to help it grow. Epsom salt is not a fertilizer or plant food. It contains some elements that plants need, but not all of them.
Who should avoid Epsom salts? ›- high amount of magnesium in the blood.
- low amount of calcium in the blood.
- myasthenia gravis, a skeletal muscle disorder.
- progressive muscle weakness with carcinoma.
- decreased kidney function.
- severe renal impairment.
Also, don't soak your feet—that can dry your skin. Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes. This is because there are high-pressure areas under the foot. Too much callus may mean that you will need therapeutic shoes and inserts.
Is it bad to soak your feet in Epsom salt everyday? ›An Epsom salt foot soak can dry out the feet, so it is best not to do it every night. Try soaking the feet once or twice a week to make sure it does not cause dryness.
Does Epsom salt draw out toxins? ›
Flushes toxins A detox bath with Epsom salt may help your body flush out toxins more quickly and efficiently, supporting better overall organ function. Pain relief for headaches, cramps, and spasms Epsom salt may relieve the pain from headaches, cramps, and spasms by relaxing your body and your nerves.
Does quality of Epsom salt matter? ›If you're looking to enjoy the benefits of Epsom salt, make sure what you're buying is 100% natural, food grade Epsom salt. Some are factory-produced and contain nasty chemicals and other additives. These you should steer clear of.
Which is better Epsom salt or baking soda? ›Baking soda baths are different to Epsom salt baths, which are used to treat different conditions. Baking soda baths are more commonly used for skin concerns while Epsom salt baths treat issues such as circulatory health, blood pressure, and nerve function.
What is the best thing to soak your feet in? ›Epsom salts are the classic staple of a foot soak, aid to help with everything from arthritis to plain old swollen feet. The salts break down into magnesium and sulfate in water, and some believe that these minerals can be soaked in through the skin for the body's benefit.
Which is better sea salt or Epsom salt? ›Also, unlike Epsom salts, natural sea salts may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe achy joints and muscles while easing anxiety. This is why emerging from a sea salt-based bath treatment can feel so euphoric.
Do coffee grounds repel mosquitoes? ›Coffee grounds make an effective mosquito repellent because of the strong smell. The coffee grounds will mask the scents on humans that attract mosquitoes - if they can't smell you they can't find you! You can also burn it to create an even stronger aroma - the same way citronella candles keep mosquitoes away.
What can you do with expired unused coffee grounds? ›- Dry Rub. Coffee can be a great dry rub for meat. ...
- Composting Pile. Old coffee grounds are a great addition to a compost pile. ...
- Plant Feed. ...
- Candles. ...
- Hair Mask. ...
- Under Eye Cream. ...
- Soap. ...
- Scratched Furniture Repair.
Plants that prefer more acidic soil (such as African violets, Impatiens, Norfolk Island pines, Phalaenopsis orchids, and Dieffenbachia) seem to respond well to a weekly watering with coffee.
Why put baking soda around a tomato plant? ›Although it seems silly, this simple garden trick really works. The baking soda absorbs into the soil and lowers its acidity levels giving you tomatoes that are more sweet than tart.
Is cream of tartar good for plants? ›Cream of tartar
Cream of tartar can rid your garden patio of insects; all you have to do is apply the creamy substance along the ants' trail. This acts as a repellent, but even better, it is organic and poses no danger to you and your loved ones.
Will Epsom salt get rid of powdery mildew? ›
Simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of Epsom salts to create an effective treatment for powdery mildew.
What insect does not like coffee grounds? ›Coffee grounds are great for pest control. Ants especially don't like them - both grounds and the acids damage their exoskeletons. Use spent grounds to keep ants out of the house by laying down a 2 inch wide line around the foundation and entrances.
Do coffee grounds in plants attract bugs? ›You can control them with coffee grounds, a safe and effective way to keep pests away. Not only do they repel mosquitoes, but also other insects such as wasps and bees. Coffee grounds are the bee's knees when it comes to staying bug bite free.
Can I use Epsom salt in my vegetable garden? ›In gardening, Epsom salt can work as a plant fertilizer for garden plants and houseplants and can reverse a magnesium deficiency in the soil.
Should I add Epsom salt to my vegetable garden? ›Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – helps seeds germinate, makes plants grow bushier, produces more flowers, increases chlorophyll production and deters pests, such as slugs and voles. It also provides vital nutrients to supplement your regular fertilizer.
Is Epsom salt good for all garden vegetables? ›If the soil becomes depleted of magnesium, adding Epsom salt will help; and since it poses little danger of overuse like most commercial fertilizers, you can use it safely on nearly all your garden plants.
Is Epsom salt for plants safe for humans? ›Epsom salts should not be consumed by pregnant women, children, and those with kidney conditions. If you're ever unsure, it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor first. And of course, do not use them in the garden. They provide no real value to the average home gardener and can pollute groundwater.
Is Epsom salt safe for tomato plants? ›Adding Epsom salt to the soil tomatoes are growing in can actually promote blossom-end rot, a truly disappointing garden woe. The tomatoes start to bear fruit and then rot on the bottom. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the plants.
Is Epsom salt really good for tomato plants? ›Fact! Adding Epsom salts to your plant either through foliar spray or direct watering is a great way of boosting micronutrient absorption. This helps your tomato plant produce large, juicy, and very sweet fruits. Remember that a little bit goes a long way and too much can cause more problem than it fixes.
Are eggshells good for plants? ›The shells also contain other minerals that help plants grow, including potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Eggshells are, therefore, an effective and inexpensive fertilizer for outdoor garden soil and houseplants.
What does coffee grounds do for plants? ›
Fertilize Your Garden
Coffee grounds contain several key minerals for plant growth — nitrogen, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and chromium ( 1 ). They may also help absorb heavy metals that can contaminate soil ( 2 , 3 ). What's more, coffee grounds help attract worms, which are great for your garden.
Master Gardeners at Washington State University Extension cite studies claiming that Epsom salt is of little use against slugs and other garden pests, and that reports of miraculous results are largely myth.
What are the signs of magnesium deficiency in plants? ›Magnesium deficiency
Symptoms: Yellowing between the leaf veins, sometimes with reddish brown tints and early leaf fall. Magnesium deficiency is common in tomatoes, apples, grape vines, raspberries, roses and rhododendrons.
Is all Epsom salt the same? All Epsom salt contains the naturally occurring minerals of magnesium and sulfate. There are different ways of manufacturing and packaging Epsom salt, but chemically, it's all exactly the same.