How to Use Epson Salts in My Garden

Epsom salt is a non-toxic substance with many purposes. Epsom salt is typically used for sore muscles and healing wounds, but according to the Epsom Salt Council, it is also useful in the garden. The council states that Epsom salt contains many useful nutrients for gardening. Specifically it states that "although magnesium and sulfur occur naturally in soil, they can be depleted by various conditions, including heavy agricultural use over time. But unlike most commercial fertilizers, which build up in the soil over time, Epsom Salt is not persistent so you can't overuse it. Tests by the National Gardening Association confirm--roses fertilized with Epsom Salt grow bushier and produce more flowers, while the compound makes pepper plants grow larger than those treated with commercial fertilizer alone."

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups distilled water
• Microwave-safe measuring cup
• 2 tbs. powdered fish
• 1 tsp. powdered seaweed
• 1 tbs. Epsom salt
• 2 tbs. apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbs. molasses
• 6 tbs. coffee grounds
• Spray bottle

Instructions

Rose Food

1. Warm up the distilled water in the microwave for 10 minutes on high.

2. Combine the powdered fish, powdered sea weed, Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar and molasses and stir until well blended.

3. Add the coffee grounds and allow the mixture to sit overnight.

4. Pour the rose food over the leaves and around the root system of the roses. One batch of this liquid rose food mix feeds four small rose plants or two large bushes.

Pest Control

1. Combine 1/4 cup of Epsom salt with 1 liter of water.

2. Pour into a spray bottle and shake until the salt is dissolved.

3. Spray a mist on foliage and flower buds to discourage insects from feeding on the plants.

References

• The Epsom Salt Council: Garden
• "The Queen of Clean's Complete Cleaning Guide;" Linda Cobb; 2002.
• Rose Food Recipe