Epsom salt, also called magnesium sulfate, is a natural product which comes in the form of a white powder, composed of white crystals. In addition to its benefits for relaxing muscles, it is also beneficial for the garden. Discover the benefits of spreading Epsom salt in your garden.
Thanks to its high magnesium content, Epsom salt is very beneficial for plants. Used in the garden, but also in the vegetable garden, it allows you to take care of your plants and keep them in good health.
How to use Epsom salt in the garden?
Epsom salt is not only beneficial for your garden plants, but also for those in the vegetable garden.
- Improve nutrient absorption
Magnesium sulfate improves the ability of cells to absorb minerals from the soil beneficial for their proper growth, such as nitrogen, sulfur or phosphorus. This natural nutrient also helps plants better absorb chlorophyll, a plant pigment that plants are made of and which allows them to better capture light. And that’s not all. Epsom salt also helps strengthen plant roots and accelerate their regeneration. The plants thus become stronger and more vigorous. You can also use Epsom salt as a natural fertilizer, especially in soils low in sulfur and magnesium. To do this, simply sprinkle a cup of this natural product on each 10m2 plot . Turn the soil well before planting or sowing your plants. On contact with water, Epsom salt releases sulfate and magnesium which will subsequently be absorbed by plants.
- Against parasites
Epsom salt is a natural alternative to fight parasites that attack your plants, without using chemical pesticides. To repel gastropods like slugs and snails, simply sprinkle a little Epsom salt around the base of your plants. The magnesium sulfate crystals in Epsom salt irritate the body of pests that attack your plants. To eliminate parasitic insects, you can dilute Epsom salt in water and spray your solution on the foliage of infested plants.
Snail on the foliage of a plant. Source: spm
- To improve seed germination
Epsom salt is known to promote seed germination. It strengthens cell walls and provides them with enough energy for growth. The young plants thus become more numerous and resistant. In addition to this, during the germination process, the seeds lose sulfur. Using Epsom salt will then compensate for the losses. To do this, dilute a tablespoon of Epsom salt in 4 liters of water and use this solution to water your seedlings. You can also pour a spoonful of Epsom salt into the bottom of each seed hole.
This tip can be used once a month on seedlings, during the growth period.
- To improve the flavor of fruits and vegetables
Epsom salt makes fruits sweeter by increasing the level of chlorophyll present in the cells of fruit trees.
To do this, dilute a tablespoon in 4 liters of water and apply this solution to the roots of fruit trees, but also vines or nut trees, every month, during the vegetative growth period.
Regarding vegetables, Epsom salt is particularly beneficial for tomatoes and peppers. Since tomatoes often suffer from a deficiency of magnesium and calcium, it is recommended to feed them with Epsom salt more than other plants. To do this, simply water them with a solution of water and Epsom salt every two weeks. This will give you tastier tomatoes. The same goes for peppers which should be fed with Epsom salt every two weeks to get a more abundant harvest.
That said, Epsom salt is an ally for your garden and vegetable plants. In addition to feeding them and enriching the soil with magnesium and sulfate, it helps eliminate parasitic insects and obtain a better quality harvest.
