Gardening With Epsom Salt

Used the right way, Epsom salt can boost blooms, strengthen roots, and increase vegetable yields.

Correct dosage matters—typically, one tablespoon of Epsom salt per foot of plant height is sufficient when applied to the base. m.dipo/Shutterstock

At one point, you may have soaked your tired feet in Epsom salt. But Epsom salt goes beyond the tub—you can take it to the garden as well. It’s a popular supplement in organic gardening.

Epsom salt, also called magnesium sulfate, has a unique chemical structure. Many plants yearn for these components to grow vibrant greenery and produce beautiful flowers. Here’s how to use Epsom salt in your garden and which plants will benefit from it.

Epsom Salt Is Uniquely Beneficial

Epsom salt was discovered in the well water of Epsom, England, in the early 17th century. It’s different from table salt. If you sprinkle table salt on your plants, you’ll kill them. But Epsom salt will act with other fertilizers to aid your plant’s growth. The key is to know which plants will benefit from it.