Using Epsom Salt In Your Garden
Even though there are many companies making fertilizers and amendments for our gardens, there are still many ideas our grandmothers used to enhance gardens on the cheap.
For instance, Epsom salt. Epsom salt is made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate, which is a naturally occurring mineral first found in the well waters of Epsom, England.
Epsom salt helps improve flower blooming. It also enhances the plant’s green color. It can also make plants bushier.
It helps speed up plant growth, deters pests, increases the flavor of fruit and veggies, plus it increases the output of vegetation and improve overall plant health.
Counter Transplant Shock: To counter plant transplant shock, try feeding plants with Epsom salt once they’ve been transplanted to help injured roots. Layer soil on top of salt so that roots don’t come into direct contact with the concentrated minerals right away.
Pre-Planting: Before planting, soak root balls in a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt diluted in one gallon of water.
When Planting: Dig a hole and place about a tablespoon of Epsom salt in the bottom of the hole and cover with a thin layer of dirt. Put the plant in the hole and finish planting.
Top Dressing: During growing season, sprinkle about a tablespoon of Epsom salt directly around the base of the plant and then water.
Plant Boost: If your plants need a boost, dissolve about 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water. Pour at the base of the plant and allow the solution to soak into the ground. Magnesium sulfate is pH neutral, so it won’t harm your soil.
Pest Control: Epsom salt in many cases provide a natural cure for slugs. Sprinkle Epsom salt where slugs glide.
Weed Killer: Mix 2 cups Epsom salt with 1 gallon of vinegar. Add a bit of liquid dish soap to the mixture and put in a spray bottle. Spray weeds but try to avoid flowers and other plants.
And if you have aches and pains after being in the garden, you can use Epsom salt to relieve your discomfort.
Foot Soak: Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. Soothes achy feet, removes odor and softens rough skin.
Removing A Splinter: In case you got a splinter while working outside, soak the infected area with 2 tablespoon Epsom salt in a cup of water. This increases the osmotic pressure of your skin and helps draw the splinter out on its own.
Tree Stump Removal: Epsom salt is known for its absorption properties. It can suck the water out of wood which makes it easier to remove a tree stump.
Drill multiple holes in the top of the stump. The holes should be approximately 3-4 inches apart. Pour salt into the holes and add water. Pour Epsom salt on any exposed roots to dry them out.
If this doesn’t work the first time, you may repeat the process every three weeks until the stump dies.
House Plants: Epsom salt can also give your house plants a boost. Feed house plants monthly by adding 2 tablespoons Epsom salt per gallon of water.
I always lean toward natural solutions to problems I have both indoors and outdoors.
Thank you Brenda for the interesting article. Had no idea there were so many uses for Epsom salt.
Great post, Brenda! I knew that Epsom salts were good for aches and pains in the bath but didn’t realize that it had so many uses in the plants and garden realm. I am especially glad to know that it’s good for roses. I have been trying to grow healthy rose bushes for ages and have not been so successful. I am definitely going to try the Epsom salts on them. That is, as soon as we get some actual Spring weather! We had snow this morning in S. Central Michigan, too! Aargh!
Thanks for the gardening tips, Brenda. I just pinned this!
Great tips!! I think epsom salts are particularly good for roses….I seem to recall my mom telling me that!
I had not idea about these uses for Epsom Salt, or it’s origin! Thanks for sharing…
This is fabulous information Brenda. Thanks for sharing. Now if we could get to better weather for planting. We got more snow this morning. Enough already!
Hugs,
Kris
Woke up to the thirties here. Winter go away!
A cup of Epsom salt can also be added to bath water to ease aches and pains. Husband does this nightly.
I do this after yoga and add lavender oil for relaxation.
I already picked up Epsom salt at the grocery store last week. I do believe they had a lavender scent maybe…
Here is lavender scented Epsom salt at Walmart. Wouldn’t you know already out of stock…
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lavender-Scented-Epsom-Salt-Soaking-Aid-1-5-lb/44805352