What are Epsom salts?
Epsom salts are a naturally occurring mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate. The chemical name for Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4·7H2O). Epsom salt crystals are hydrated magnesium sulfate. They are easy to find at most drug stores and grocery stores, sometimes in the pharmacy section. Look for “magnesium sulfate” on the ingredient label. Epsom salts are used for many purposes, including bath salts and foot soaks, but they also provide a natural way to give plants a nutrient boost.
How do Epsom salts help plants?
Epsom salts help plants in a few key ways:
Provides magnesium
One of the main benefits Epsom salts provide to plants is magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for plant growth and health. It plays an important role in:
– Photosynthesis – Magnesium is a core component of chlorophyll, which plants need for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert sunlight into energy and oxygen.
– Enzyme production – Magnesium helps plants synthesize enzymes they need for growth. Enzymes catalyze reactions in plants.
– Production of oils and sugars – Magnesium aids in carbohydrate production, which allows plants to produce needed oils and sugars.
Many soils are deficient in magnesium, so Epsom salt applications can provide this mineral and prevent deficiency. Signs of magnesium deficiency in plants include yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and browning edges. Epsom salts are an excellent way to give plants the magnesium they need.
Provides sulfur
In addition to magnesium, Epsom salts contain sulfur. Sulfur is another nutrient that is vital for plant growth and health. It helps with important processes like:
– Protein synthesis – Sulfur is needed to produce amino acids and proteins in plants. Proteins are essential for all living cells.
– Enzyme activation – Sulfur is a key component of certain enzymes and helps activate them. Enzymes drive most biochemical reactions in plants.
– Chlorophyll production – Sulfur is necessary for plants to be able to form chlorophyll molecules.
– Root growth – Sulfur promotes development of plant roots. It is often needed in larger amounts by roots than shoots.
Sulfur deficiencies are also widespread. Using Epsom salts supplies valuable sulfur to increase overall plant vigor.
Improves nutrient absorption
In addition to providing magnesium and sulfur, Epsom salts enhance plants’ ability to take up key nutrients. When Epsom salts are dissolved in water, they release magnesium, sulfur and oxygen into the surrounding soil. The oxygen helps promote healthy root systems.
The magnesium in Epsom salts regulates plant enzymes that aid nutrient absorption. Sulfur helps form compounds that aid in nutrient uptake. Overall, Epsom salts make it easier for plants to absorb essential nutrients.
What types of plants benefit from Epsom salts?
Many different types of plants benefit from Epsom salt applications. Some respond better than others based on their magnesium and sulfur needs. Here are some plants that commonly show improvements with Epsom salts:
Tomatoes
Tomato plants need large amounts of magnesium and often thrive when given supplemental Epsom salts. Regular Epsom salt applications (every 2-4 weeks) lead to bigger vines, greener leaves and more abundant flowers and fruits. The magnesium boosts production of chlorophyll and sugars.
Peppers
All varieties of peppers do well with extra magnesium. Epsom salts encourage healthy flowering and fruit set. They help peppers grow bushier plants and produce higher yields. Magnesium plays a role in fruit development as well.
Roses
One of the most popular uses for Epsom salts is applying them to rose bushes. Roses need high levels of magnesium for cell wall formation and growth. The magnesium in Epsom salts result in stronger canes, more new shoots, and larger blooms. Occasional Epsom salt baths provide extended flowering.
Shrubs and trees
Ornamental shrubs and trees also benefit from Epsom salt applications. The magnesium aids with winter hardening, encouraging lush green summer foliage, and healthy branching. Nutrient-demanding trees like palms particularly appreciate supplemental magnesium.
Lawns
Greener, lusher lawn grass can be grown by sprinkling Epsom salts over the lawn every few months. The magnesium greens up grass blades naturally. It also helps strengthen roots against heat stress and drought. Sulfur enhances overall lawn health and vigor.
Houseplants
Houseplants kept indoors often suffer magnesium or sulfur deficiency. Epsom salts dissolved in water and applied monthly gives houseplants a mineral boost. Plants like orchids, ferns, cacti, succulents, and palms do well with Epsom salt supplements.
How to Use Epsom Salts in Gardens
Epsom salts are water-soluble so they are easy to apply directly to soils or dissolved into watering cans. Here are some methods for using Epsom salts in gardens:
Foliar spray
The simplest approach is to dissolve Epsom salts in water and apply the mixture directly to plant leaves. Use 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on plant leaves every 2-4 weeks. The magnesium and sulfur will absorb into leaves and enhance growth.
Soil amendment
Sprinkle Epsom salt crystals into garden beds or around the base of plants. Use 1-2 tablespoons per square foot. Lightly work into the top few inches of soil. Water the Epsom salts in well after application. This provides a slow, steady release of magnesium and sulfur into the root zone.
Root soak
For potted plants, dissolve Epsom salts in water at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon. Soak plant pots in this solution so that the salts absorb through drainage holes into the root ball. This treats magnesium deficiency from the roots up.
Recommended application rates
– Vegetables: 1-2 tbsp Epsom salts per sq ft every 2-4 weeks
– Flower beds: 1-2 tbsp per sq ft every 2-4 weeks
– Potted plants: 1 tbsp per gallon for root soaks
– Trees & shrubs: 2-4 tbsp per sq ft in early spring and fall
– Lawns: 3 lbs per 1500 sq ft twice a year
When to Apply Epsom Salts to Plants
Timing your Epsom salt applications strategically helps maximize their benefits:
Spring
Early in the growing season, plants are eager for nutrients and can readily absorb magnesium and sulfur. Apply Epsom salts after planting seeds or transplants to boost establishment. Feed emerging seedlings and new shoots as well.
Before flowering/fruiting
Right before plants begin flowering is ideal timing. The magnesium and sulfur help encourage bountiful blooms, strong fruit set, and good development. Epsom salts also improve the quality and flavor.
After harvesting
Once plants finish fruiting or are harvested for the season, feed them Epsom salts to replenish nutrient stores for next year’s growth. The magnesium and sulfur help prepare for winter dormancy as well.
In fall for winter hardening
Late fall applications help shore up cell walls in plant tissues. This protects against freeze damage over winter. Applying Epsom salts in fall allows slow absorption through the soil.
In spring for greenup
Early spring Epsom salt applications encourage leafy growth and green color as plants wake from winter dormancy. Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.
During drought stress
Epsom salt soil applications or foliar sprays help plants tolerate dry conditions better. The magnesium helps maintain water balance while sulfur promotes drought resistance.
Conclusion
Epsom salts provide an easy and affordable way to supplement essential nutrients in home gardens. Magnesium and sulfur are both vital for vigorous plant growth but are often deficient. Applying Epsom salts to vegetable and flower gardens, trees, lawns and potted plants helps:
– Correct nutritional deficiencies
– Produce healthier plants able to resist stress
– Grow bigger blooms and higher yields
– Develop robust root systems
– Absorb water and nutrients more efficiently
With their neutral pH, rapid solubility and generous magnesium and sulfur content, Epsom salts offer natural benefits for lush, productive gardens and landscapes. Their versatility and safety makes them a wise addition to any gardener’s toolkit. Follow label instructions and application guidelines to successfully improve plant health and vitality.