Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:05 pm
Gardening is an art par excellence for the reason that it requires a lot of abilities. It is necessary to have a good aesthetic taste and a lot of patience. Theoretical knowledge is necessary as well as practical experience. However, one cannot know everything. There is always something new to discover and learn. If you are ready to expand your knowledge, you can read our article dedicated to Epsom salt in gardening. It is a substance with a wide use in different fields like medicine, food industry, chemistry, cosmetics and rural economy. We will share with you some tips related to Epsom salt that will help you develop your gardening skills and have an amazing garden!
Epsom salt – what is it? Epsom salt is the trade name for magnesium sulfate or rather its form of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It comes from the name of the Epsom salt spring in England where it was first extracted. It is also known as “bitter salt” because it has a notably bitter taste and flavor.
The medicine
According to the World Health Organization, magnesium sulfate is one of the most important substances for medicine. Pharmaceutical magnesium can be used internally or externally in different cases. Magnesium sulfate paste treats skin problems, while its oral form is used in cases of heart arrhythmia, asthma, cramps, etc.
The food industry
Magnesium sulfate is used as a salt in the production of beer and as a condenser in the preparation of tofu.
Cosmetics
In cosmetics, magnesium sulfate is used in the formulation of exfoliants that are beneficial to the skin.
Agriculture
Epsom salt in gardening plays the role of a natural fertilizer. It is a substance that every plant needs, because it stimulates their growth and productivity. Its main advantage, which makes it different from other fertilizers, is its great solubility, thanks to which the soil and the roots absorb it very easily.
Where to find Epsom salt?
Epsom salt can be found in pharmacies, on specialized agricultural websites or even in some supermarkets. You can also find it under the names: magnesium sulfate, bitter salt, purifying salt and English salt.
Contents
How to use Epsom salt in the garden?
It is worth discovering all the virtues of bitter salt in order to make the most of it for your garden!
Planting and transplanting
Yes, you can enjoy the benefits of Epsom salt as soon as you plant your garden. It helps the nutrition and therefore the germination of your plants. As for transplanting adult plants, it is a stressful process for them. At this time, they need a rich soil from which they can receive nutrients easily. How to apply? Sprinkle the English salt on the soil (250 g per 10 m²).work the soil to incorporate the substance.plant or sow the plants.
Vegetable gardens
Epsom salt can be a natural fertilizer for your tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and for all your vegetables. You can use it during the whole maintenance, because it is absolutely harmless. It is an organic fertilizer that increases the speed of growth and ensures quality production. How to proceed?
Dilute the magnesium sulfate in water (1 tablespoon for 4 liters of water) and spray the feet of the plants every 15 days.
Bitter salt is the best ally especially for your tomatoes and peppers. They often suffer from magnesium deficiency which manifests itself by blackening. Besides the regular spraying of Epsom salt, you can take a preventive measure as soon as they are planted. Put 1 tablespoon of magnesium sulfate in each hole.
The garden
Your flowers will also be very happy to receive a dose of Epsom salt. It will stimulate their blooming and make your garden more sumptuous and impressive like in a fairy tale! How to proceed with different plants?
For roses, you can soak their roots in a dilution of magnesium sulfate in water before planting. Respect the ratio of 1 teaspoon to 4 L of water. This way, you ensure healthy and firm roots. During their growth, you can either add 1 tsp of bitter salt to the soil or spray them with a mixture of 1 tsp in 4 L of water.
As for shrubs, the miraculous substance is recommended especially for those with evergreen leaves. It can guarantee their health and nutrition by activating the process of photosynthesis. You will also see an external manifestation of their improvement – its leaves will be more beautiful and will adopt the bright green color. Spray a mixture of 1 tablespoon and 1 L of water on the leaves of your shrubs once or twice a month.Dreaming of a fresh, green lawn? Epsom salt can make this dream come true, because it will prevent the lawn from yellowing and will preserve its green color. Respect the proportion of 1 kg of magnesium sulfate for 100 m².
Epsom salt as a weed killer?
You already know that Epsom salt in gardening serves more as a natural fertilizer that stimulates growth. Obviously, it cannot itself be a weed killer. However, combined with other substances, it can be effective in this area of agriculture as well. So, how to do it? There is a grandmother’s recipe that consists of mixing white vinegar (4 liters), magnesium sulfate (500 g) and dish soap (60 ml) that is optional. However, it should be taken into consideration that this mixture, being very strong, can kill not only weeds, but also other plants. It is possible that it has a negative effect on the soil and causes damage in the garden. That’s why we advise you to be satisfied with the other virtues of Epsom salt and to choose another weed-killing product.