Get Healthier, Brighter Blooms by Using Epsom Salt for Your Plants—Here’s How

Epsom salt for plants is a beneficial supplement for improving flower color and encouraging healthier blooms. This easy-to-use natural option contains magnesium and sulfur, essential nutrients that support plant growth and vitality.

When dissolved in water and applied to the soil, Epsom salt helps plants absorb these nutrients more efficiently, leading to vibrant flowers and better plant health. Read on to learn when and how to use Epsom salt for plants.

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is often used for therapeutic and household benefits. It is not a type of salt but a naturally occurring mineral compound composed of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Epsom salt is commonly used in gardening to improve soil quality and promote plant growth.

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Why Use Epsom Salt for Plants?

Using Epsom salt for plants offers numerous benefits. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to many uses in the garden. Epsom salt aids seed germination, promoting more vigorous plant growth.

Among its many uses, it improves flower growth, enhances nutrient absorption, and promotes the growth of healthier foliage. Beyond that, it is a natural repellent against slugs and other pests, safeguarding plants from damage.

When to Apply Epsom Salt

Knowing when to apply Epsom salt to your plants is essential for optimal growth and health. If you notice yellowing leaves or slowed growth, it’s an excellent time to consider adding Epsom salt to your soil and conducting a soil test to identify any deficiencies before applying any amendments to your garden. Soil tests can tell your soil’s pH levels and nutrient concentrations, letting you know what amount of Epsom salt to use.

Incorporating Epsom salt into the soil mix can provide immediate benefits when applied to newly planted seedlings. Adding the minerals that make up Epsom salt supports strong root growth and helps prevent transplant shock. Watering seedlings with a diluted Epsom salt solution can promote the seedling’s resilience and growth.

How to Use Epsom Salt in the Garden

To use Epsom salt effectively in your garden, dilute one to two tablespoons of it in a gallon of water before watering your plants. The exact amount of Epsom salt required may differ depending on the
type of plant you’re treating.

This diluted solution can be applied directly to the soil around the base of the plants or sprayed onto their foliage.

To get the best results, apply the Epsom salt during the growing season to support healthy growth. By following this method, you can ensure your plants receive the necessary nutrients to keep your plants happy and healthy throughout the season.

Vegetables

To help your vegetable plants grow better, mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water and pour it around the base of your plants every two weeks during the growing season.

Tomatoes

When planting tomatoes, add one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt to the soil. During the growing season, spray the leaves with one tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water every two weeks for healthier tomatoes.

Roses and Other Flowers

For roses and other flowers, mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water and pour it around the base of the plants every two weeks to make them bloom more beautifully.

Shrubs

To help your shrubs grow stronger, mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water and pour it around the base of the shrubs every two to four weeks during the growing season.

Houseplants

To keep your houseplants healthy and green, water them once a month with a mixture of one tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water.

Lawns

To help your lawn stay green and healthy, dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and spray it on it.

Trees

To promote strong and healthy growth, sprinkle one tablespoon of Epsom salt for every nine square feet of root area around your trees every two to four weeks during the growing season.

When Not to Use Epsom Salt on Plants

While Epsom salt can benefit many plants, some don’t respond well. Plants that thrive in acidic soil—like azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries—may suffer from Epsom salt’s magnesium content. Succulents and cacti, which prefer dry conditions, may experience root rot if exposed to excess moisture from Epsom salt application.

It’s essential to look into the needs of your plants before using Epsom salt to make sure your plants react well to it.