Why is Epsom Salt Good for Gardening?
You have probably heard about the incredible healing and nourishing properties of Epsom salts. Why is Epsom salt good for gardening? There are several reasons why you should start adding Epsom salt to your plants' diet. This is a natural, non-toxic, and inexpensive means of fertilizing your plants. Epsom salts, or MgSO4, are a great help in making your plants thrive. It helps increase and speed up nutrient absorption in plants.
There are specific guidelines, however, in using Epsom salts. Before using these, take the extra precautions by doing some research. Do not simply ask yourself: why is Epsom salt good for gardening? There are a few more questions that need to be addressed before you can use this substance. This article will guide you with some of the things you need to know in using Epsom salt in the garden.
Thing You Need to Know Before Using Epsom Salt
Before using this excellent gardening substance, there are essential things you need to know. First, industrial grade or agricultural Epsom salts are designed for outdoor and garden uses. However, only brands that are marked with "USP" are suitable for humans. This mark means that the product has already been tested by the FDA and United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Moreover, Epsom salts have laxative properties, so it is advised that you keep them away from pets and children. Also, you need to wear gloves when handling Epsom salt. The skin can easily absorb Magnesium-sulfate. Finally, testing your soil is a wise idea so that you will know which minerals are lacking or low. You can only use Epsom salt in your garden if the soil tests are lacking in magnesium.
The best part about Epsom salt is that unlike other chemical fertilizers, it is not bound to poison your groundwater or build up in your soil. Using Epsom salt will yield more bountiful blooms, more vigorous seedlings, decreased pest infestations, and tastier fruits.
Why is Epsom Salt Good for Gardening?
Epsom Salt is already known to have lots of offered benefits for your garden. Here are some reasons why Epsom salt is beneficial for your soil and seedlings.
Give Seeds a Better a Jumpstart
Magnesium enhances seed germination by making the cell walls stronger and providing increased energy. Sulfur is easily washed away during the germination process. To address that, apply one tablespoon of Epsom salt to every gallon of water after seeding the soil. You may also choose to mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt in the hole before planting each seed.
For wildflowers and grass seeds, use a cup of Epsom salt per 100 square feet. Then blend that into the soil and water the whole area thoroughly. Reapply this to seedlings every month, especially during the growing season.
Increase Absorption of Nutrients
Magnesium-sulfate can effectively increase cell uptake of essential minerals such as phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen. If you give your plants at least a drench of one tablespoon to a gallon of water twice a month, it will grow thicker foliage and bigger vegetables.
Prevent Root Shock
Transplanted roots need extra care. Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt for every gallon of water to prevent root shock. Apply this to the origins of re-planted plants until it is fully saturated. Root shock can cause wilting and leaf discoloration. This method will help prevent that.
You may also try to add two teaspoons of Epsom salt directly to the hole before transplanting the flowers or bush. Once you are done tamping the soil, water it thoroughly.
Natural Pest Deterrent
You can use Epsom salt instead of plain table salt to kill snails and slugs. In the process of doing so, you also give your roots and blooms nourishment. For broader coverage and general pest control, mix a cup of Epsom salt with five gallons of water. Spray this into the foliage. If you are only having problems with snails and slugs, sprinkle dry Epsom salts around the garden in the base of your plants.
Add Beauty and Vibrancy
Mineral deficiencies can cause leaching green color in leaves due to the interference in photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. If mature foliage is starting to turn yellow and is gradually curling, this could mean magnesium deficiency. You can make a foliar spray with one tablespoon of Epsom salt mixed with four cups of water. This is intended for each foot of plant height. Magnesium absorbs better if directly applied on leaves as well.
Boost Flavor
Sweet peppers and tomatoes benefit significantly from adding Epsom salt to the soil. Add one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt to the ground of every hole before planting your seeds. Another method is by applying a foliar spray with two tablespoons of salt to each gallon of water. Apply this to the leaves of your plants at least once or twice a month.
Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and apply this thoroughly to the roots of berry patches, grapevines, and nut trees. Do this every month during the growing season. Another reliable technique is to use two tablespoons of Epsom salt to a nine-foot root bed are. Do this three times a year.
Heal Your Houseplants
Epsom salt is generally pH neutral and gentle on all plants. This includes potted houseplants. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and spray into the leaves for maximum absorption. This is to boost nutrient intake. As an alternative, you may also add the salt directly to the soil. Use one teaspoon for each foot of plant height. If you do this every month, you can notice subtle changes when it comes to leaf growth and vibrancy.
Conclusion
Why is Epsom salt good for gardening? There are lots of reasons why you should add this magical substance to your gardening routines. Aside from the extra precautions you should remember, there is nothing to lose. You may start experimenting by applying some Epsom salt to your houseplants. If that works well for you, you may choose to use some for your garden. Know more tips on gardening.
