Can Epsom Salt Really Be A Good Fertilizer

Not that much research supports the use of Epsom Salt as a fertilizer. However, individual gardeners who do use this method of fertilization swear by it. In fact, it has been used by a large number of gardeners throughout history.

Advantages

Hydrated magnesium sulfate is present in Epsom Salt. This is a combination of two of the most important nutrients that plants need-magnesium and sulfur.

Magnesium is responsible for keeping plants strong and healthy. It is also what helps plants mature properly, and what makes vegetables such as tomatoes taste sweet.

Magnesium is also very important for plants because it helps carry out the photosynthesis process and helps germinate seeds. The magnesium that is lost to soil erosion can be replaced by applying Epsom Salt to a garden.

The sulfur provided by Epsom salt is important for the inner workings of plants. This nutrient is also provided by external sources such as acid rain and synthetic fertilizers. However, Epsom Salt is a more organic solution for gardeners who want to remain eco-friendly.

This type of fertilization works best with the following plants, for different reasons:

l Roses: The leaves and stems of this valuable flower are said to become more green and lush when Epsom Salt is applied. Likewise, claims are made that it helps produce more roses. It works best when ½ cup of this substance is placed on the soil surrounding the bush. You can also maintain your roses with a 1 tbsp. Dose of this salt per gallon of water to use in sprayers.

l Tomatoes: An Epsom Salt-based fertilizer is very beneficial to tomatoes. It helps make up for magnesium deficiencies in soil that could occur later in the planting season. It also can contribute to the production of larger tomatoes. About 1 tbsp per gallon sprayed on these once in awhile is sufficient.

l Peppers: It helps the leaves of this plant to keep from turning yellow (as so for tomatoes as well). About 1 tbsp per gallon of water applied with a sprayer is usually enough. It may possibly contribute to growth of larger crop. However, it also depends upon what other nutrients you feed your plants and how much you water your plants.

The Future of Epsom Salt

It is said that folk wisdom is often ahead of scientific progress. Therefore, even though this form of fertilization is not yet widely supported by scientists it can help at least replenish mild nutritional deficiencies.

Moreover, it is mile enough to be mixed with other compounds that contain other plant nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus. If you want to use natural fertilization methods mulches and composts that include materials such as peat moss, dried leaves, grass clippings, or vegetable scraps are recommended. You can also find quality synthetic fertilizers too.

Epsom Salt Application

If you want to use Epsom Salt with synthetic fertilizers it is probably best to find compositions that contain the right amount of nutrients for plants. Be careful not to add too much Epsom Salt and/or synthetic fertilizer of this to plants because it could burn them out.

If you want to test the products you use, it might be wise to try it on a small portion of garden and use another type on the other (one that you know works, preferably). If you see positive results from using it, you can continue to use it.

If not, you may want to switch to a different type of organic mixture. Plenty of synthetic fertilizers are also available, and again you should choose one that provided the right nutritional balance for plants.

Broken to Apply it

You can apply small amounts to plants currently growing. However, it is best to work your mulch mixture into the soil before or after the growing season. Even if you do so, it is recommended that you add a small amount to plants presently in your garden.