Top 10 Gardeners tips for Epsom Salt
Epsom salt really is a gardener’s best friend. There are so many uses for this amazing mineral in your home and garden. However, it is advisable to carry out a soil test first before adding minerals to your plants and garden.
1. Planting & Transplanting
To prepare for planting, put approx 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into the hole, cover with a thin layer of soil then place plant into the hole and fill with soil or compost. Once planted, water plants with a solution made from 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salt mixed into 1 gallon of water. If transplanting the root ball can also be soaked in this solution prior to planting.
2. Watering / Leaf spray for plants and houseplants
To help prevent yellowing leaves, and to keep plants nourished and healthy, use a mix of 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts with 1 gallon of water to mist leaves or water soil once a month.
3. Peppers and Tomatoes
For stronger, sweeter tomatoes and peppers follow the planting and transplanting guide, then water with the planting solution after the first flowering and again after the first fruit set.
4. Roses
For abundant blooms follow the planting guidelines when planting roses. Also, once in the springtime, and then again after flowering finishes sprinkle a tablespoon of Epsom salts per foot of growth height around the base of your roses and water in.
5. Fruit Trees
Apply in early spring and late autumn by sprinkling 2 tablespoons around the roots (but not too close to the base of the tree) per 9 square meters and watering in. This helps prevent yellowing leaves due to magnesium deficiency, and promotes stronger, healthier yields.
6. Lawns and Grass
For greener, lusher lawns, give an annual treatment every spring by mixing 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water and watering the entire lawn, or, if you have a sprinkler system, simply sprinkle Epsom salts over the lawn and water in.
7. Weed killer
Try mixing 2 cups of Epsom salt, 1 gallon of white vinegar, and ¼ cup gentle dish washing up liquid. Put into a spray bottle and spray weeds generously. Leave for 24 hours and you’ll be amazed at the results.
8. Digging up roots and stumps
To help remove a tree stump, drill holes into the stump using an extra long 1” drill. Ensure holes are approx 3 inches apart, covering the surface of the stump. Fill the holes with Epsom Salt (using a kitchen funnel helps) and then slowly moisten with water, ensuring the salt doesn’t get washed out or saturated. Also sprinkle Epsom salt over any roots. Cover with tarpaulin and leave to dry out for a few weeks. This can take up to 2 months for larger stumps, but will dry out the stump brilliantly, allowing for easier removal and also nourishes the surrounding soil.
9. Natural, non-toxic pesticide
To provide a safer atmosphere for pets, children and wild animals and the planet in general, try sprinkling Epsom salt around plants as an attractive, safe alternative to regular pesticides.
10. Soothing aching feet and muscles
After a long day in the garden, immerse in a warm, relaxing Epsom salt bath or footbath. Magnesium Sulphate helps relax tired and aching muscles, leaving you feeling revived, mobile and ready to get back out there to enjoy the next day in your garden.
