Epsom Salts as a Tomato Fertilizer

Watering tomato plants with Epsom salt and water prevents magnesium deficiency.

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is an important compound used in tomato gardening. It aids in seed germination, chlorophyll production, fertilizer uptake and flower production, but, unlike other types of fertilizer, it will not build up in the soil.

Function

Adding Epsom salt to the garden soil in the spring is a smart way to start the season.

Epsom salt is made of magnesium and sulfate. Although both these elements are found in soil naturally, they can be easily depleted by soil compaction. Magnesium increases the seed germination rate of flower production and aids in growing plants with lusher vegetation, which helps protect tomatoes from the sun. Magnesium and sulfate work together to increase chlorophyll production and to improve the absorption of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous.

Benefits

Water tomato plants thoroughly at least once a week when applying Epsom salt.

Adding Epsom salt to the soil mixture increases seed germination rates. Once the seeds have germinated, applying it to the garden makes plants lusher and improves chlorophyll production, which is important in photosynthesis. It also increases flower production, which improves tomato yield and helps plants absorb the three macronutrients found in fertilizer.

Directions

Adding Epsom salt to the planting hole is a way to prevent leaves from turning yellow.

Add 2 tbsp. Epsom salt per hole before planting anything to give the plants a boost and to reduce plant stress. Mix homemade fertilizer by adding 1 tbsp. Epsom salt per gallon of water; fertilize the plants once a month. Sprinkling the soil around tomato plants with 1 tbsp. Epsom salt per foot of plant and watering them is also effective. Epsom salt is also used as a garden primer. Add 1 cup Epsom salt per square foot of garden space, and mix the soil well before planting.

References

• Salt Works: Gardening With Epsom Salt
• Gardening Tips Idea: Making Homemade Tomato Fertilizer
• Epsom Salt Council: Garden Usage Tips
• National Gardening Association: Fertilize With Epsom Salts