Nearly every modern gardening guide has a reference to Epsom Salts. So here is the growing-guides definitive guide to the benefits of Epsom Salts.
What Are Epsom Salts?
Epsom salts are a compound of magnesium sulfate not really a salt at all, but a naturally occurring mineral compound named after a spring found just outside Epsom in Surrey UK.
The Benefits Of Epsom Salts
There are many benefits from using Epsom Salts in the garden, but before we get into that lets explore exactly what Epsom Salts are. As stated earlier they are a compound of magnesium and sulfate. Both of which aid in plant development.
The Benefits Of Epsom Salts In The Garden
By mixing Epsom Salts in with the soil before sowing seeds you will greatly improve the germination rate of the seeds. Magnesium aids in the germination of seeds and also strengthens the cell walls of plants. Thus encouraging a greater germination rate and stronger healthier seedlings.
The addition of Epsom Salts will also boost nutrient absorbtion. Many chemical fertilizers add magnesium to assist plant roots absorb vital nutrients like sulphur, nitrogen and phosphorus. For the organic gardener trying to keep away from added chemicals Epsom Salts make a great alternative.
When transplanting seedlings either to bigger pots or to their final planting position, add a solution of Epsom Salts to the watering can to help injured roots overcome transplant shock.
Magnesium Deficiency
Plants that are magnesium deficient will display symptoms like
- Yellow Leaves
- Leaf Curl
- Blossom End Rot (Tomatoes and Peppers)
Magnesium is essential in the production of chlorophyll. This gives leaves their green colouring and is vital for the absortion of sunlight and converting this light to energy.
Make up a solution of 1gallon of water to 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salts and water your ailing plants and also spray the leaves and they will become healthy and return to their green colour very quickly. To prevent blossom end rot, water tomatoes, peppers, chillis and aubergines with this same mixture every fortnight.
Increase Fruit Production
By watering fruit trees, bushes and vines with the above solution you will raise chlorophyll levels in the plant cells which in turn, will increase sugar levels leading to more fruit tasting sweeter.
Epsom Salts In The Flower Garden
The same mixture used every 2 weeks on flowers will result in more blooms, that are larger and healthier plants.
Is Epsom Salts Safe?
As Epsom Salts are a naturally occurring compound found in plants it’s addition to your plant water and soil is 100% safe. It breaks down to natural components that are beneficial to most plants and as it is water soluble means it is virtually impossible to overdose your plants. It is also pH neutral so will not harm your soil.
Health Benefits Of Epsom Salts
We have covered the benefits of Epsom Salts for the garden. Now just briefly I’d like to mention the health benefits to humans. Epsom Salts can be used as :-
- A Saline Laxative
- A Muscle Relaxant
- For Stress Relief
- A Preventative for hardening of the arteries
- A Toxin eliminator
- To Increase the effectivness of Insulin
So there are numerous reasons to use Epsom Salts both in your home and in your garden. Don’t take my word for it buy some and try it for yourself, it’s very cheap and the benefits far outway the cost.
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