Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is a pure, time-tested mineral compound with many uses, ranging from creating at-home spas to soothing achy muscles and many more. Did you know you can use it in your garden to help your plants, especially tomatoes?
Many gardeners swear on epsom salt ability to help the garden, mostly for helping tomato plants.
Here are 5 amazing things epsom salt will do to your tomato plants:
But will it actually help? Or could Epsom salt be harming your tomato plants?
Let’s see.
Magnesium and sulfur are very important for the growth and health of tomato plants, both of which can be found in Epsom salt. So it is true that, under certain conditions, applying Epsom salt to tomato plants will make them healthier.
Can Epsom salt prevent tomato blossom end rot?
No. You can’t do this.
Blossom end rot is a stress-induced disorder that affects tomato fruit. The magnesium will compete with calcium uptake in tomato plants. Therefore adding Epsom salt will actually make it more likely that you’ll have tomatoes with blossom end rot.
Does Epsom salt make tomatoes taste sweeter?
Maybe.
Even though, Epsom salt contains the micronutrients magnesium and sulfur, growing flavorful tomatoes depends on many factors like a healthy micronutrient supply in the soil. Some gardeners claim that Epsom salt has a positive effect on their tomatoes’ flavor. However, maybe a more balanced fertilizer is a better option than using Epsom salt alone.
Can you use Epsom salt as a good, cheap fertilizer?
Not really.
Epsom salt contains 2 micronutrients but note that they are micro-nutrients. However. plants require a lot more of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium than they do any other minerals. You can try and substitute Epsom salt for a homemade fertilizer that you will make at home. Here are some homemade fertilizers to help you out.
Does Epsom salt treat yellowing leaves on tomato plants?
Possibly.
If your tomatoes lack magnesium they might start yellowing. If the yellowing leaves are due to a magnesium deficiency, then Epsom salt may help your plants green up.
Can Epsom salt be used for natural pest control?
Not effectively.
Some gardeners claim Epsom salt is good as a natural pest control, however there is no simple solution for pests in the garden. Wouldn’t it be nice if pest control was that easy? The best thing you can do is try hand removal of pests and frequent application of organic deterrents like neem oil.