15 Powerful Reasons Gardeners Swear by Epsom Salt
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Epsom salt is a natural mineral first discovered in Epsom, England. It is known for its ability to soften skin, soothe tired feet, and relieve muscle aches, but it can also do wonders for plants to help them grow and be healthy. It has the potential to help you produce lush, healthy plants, whatever you’re trying to grow—vegetables, flowers, or even trees.
“Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a popular garden remedy that replenishes essential nutrients like magnesium and sulfur in soil,” Julia Omelchenko says. “Whether you need to apply Epsom salt depends on the state of the soil and plants.” Read on to discover 15 powerful reasons gardeners swear by Epsom salt!
Improves Seed Germination
Epsom salt is a very effective mean of improving the germination of seeds and the overall quality of plants; it is enough to scatter a small amount of it into the ground before planting.
Magnesium is required for the rigidification of cell walls to facilitate seedling emergence through the soil surface. A little effort can be made by using it to enhance the germination rate, and as a result, crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and beans that require magnesium in large amounts can be grown.
Enhances Nutrient Absorption
The magnesium from Epsom salt enhances the performance of the plant in terms of nutrient uptake, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are components of plant growth.
As the plant is capable of absorbing better nutrients, it tends to be healthier and grow more vigorously. Access to these nutrients ensures that plants grow better roots, leaves, and flowers.
Prevents Root Shock
Root shock can lead to the growth halt or death of the plant when transplanting. With Epsom salt, you are able to make a solution that will help your plants get back on their feet and continue with growth.
Magnesium assists in the development of a stronger root system when moving the plant to another area. It is quite useful to gardeners who transfer seedlings from indoors to outside gardens or from one container to another.
Boosts Flowering
If your flowers are looking dull, then Epsom salt can be your saviour. This is because when you add magnesium to your soil it will promote flowering hence making your flowers grow in large numbers and with bright colors.
Epsom salt can be used to activate your flower beds to give you a riot of colors with beautiful flowers. It will also work for flower beds that do not have many flowers and can be applied on a regular basis.
Promotes Green, Lush Foliage
Plants deficient in magnesium may have yellow leaves. Epsom salt is a natural solution for getting your plants the rich green foliage that they need. Chlorophyll is used for the synthesis of chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants, and magnesium is important in the process of chlorophyll synthesis.
Having green plants in your garden will enhance the beauty of the garden and, at the same time, help the plants to grow well since they can prepare their own food. Your garden will always come back to life and look beautiful if you make the treatments frequently.
Increases Vegetable Yields
Found by many gardeners to produce larger and healthier crops of vegetables, especially tomatoes and peppers. It assists in enhancing the fruit yield and the quality of the vegetables.
Vegetables meant for human consumption should be as good as they can get, and Epsom Salts is a ready option for those who grow veg, something they can add to improve on their vegetables.
Corrects Magnesium Deficiency
Some plants, such as roses and tomatoes, are more vulnerable to magnesium deficiency than others if they grow and produce fruits in poor conditions. In plants with low levels of magnesium, the leaves develop a corkscrew shape, or they won’t grow properly and may even fall off and turn brown.
Applying Epsom salt to these plants in the right frequency addresses these deficiencies and leads to healthier and stronger plants that are more nutritious and will grow better.
Deters Pests Naturally
Epsom salt cannot be used as conventional pest control but can be used to prevent some pests, especially slugs and snails. It is effective in repelling such garden pests if sprinkled at the base of plants.
The crystals pose difficulties to the soft-bodied pests since the rough surface is too much for them to bear. It is soluble in the soil and hence does not accumulate in the environment.
Neutralizes Soil pH
If your soil has a high pH above 7.5, adding Epsom salts can help lower it. Many plants have difficulty thriving in alkaline soils, so reducing the pH in these cases can be highly beneficial.
It is a basic and organic way of achieving and preserving the acidity that these plants require without resorting to the use of chemical fertilizers.
Revitalizes Lawns
The grass stays green and lush due to magnesium’s ability to produce chlorophyll. Epsom salt is useful in areas that may be experiencing soil deficiency or loss of nutrients.
It will make the grass thicker, greener, healthier and is also more resistant to diseases, and drought.
Aids in Photosynthesis
Incorporating epsom salt into the soil will ensure that the plant gets the best out of the sun and can transform it into energy. Magnesium is needed by the green pigment chlorophyll and the process through which plants make food, photosynthesis.
This has the advantage of promoting better and more massive root development and enhanced resistance against diseases.
Minimizes Nutrient Leaching
Magnesium can be leached from the soil in regions experiencing some rainfall or where there has been over-watering. When replenished, the nutrients that Epsom salt provides your plants with can also help prevent other harm to your plants.
To prevent losing magnesium in the soil, it is necessary to add it to the soil, especially after a heavy rain or a very long dry period to maintain beautiful and productive garden all the way up to the fall harvest.
Thick and Healthy Stems
Sometimes, symptoms of magnesium deficiency include weak and spindly stems. The formation of robust and bigger stems can lead to a healthier plant structure and less tendency to break when often exposed to Epsom salt.
Large flowers or fruits require strong stems in order for the plant equilibrium to be sustained without the stem snapping off due to the weight. The plant can support itself better and distribute its nutrients much better when you strengthen the stems, which in turn leads to the plants being stronger and more productive.
It is a Safe Fertilizer Alternative
Epsom salt is a biological choice for those who want to reduce chemical fertilizers. It gives the nutrients that you must have without a chance of overdoing it with fertilizer.
However, Epsom salt is an effective way not to harm plants and give them the nutrition that they require without affecting the quality of the soil. It is very helpful in organic farming.
Improves Overall Plant Health
“Using Epsom salt in your garden can provide essential nutrients to your plants, promoting their growth and overall health,” says Cameron DePaola, a master gardener and landscape designer.
Helps plants grow stronger and more vibrant by improving nutrient absorption, and can also alleviate certain plant ailments, leading to overall healthier and more vigorous growth.
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