You may have heard people say that epsom salt works miracles for tomatoes, and now you want to know more. What is it? How does it work? Is it right for you? Let’s take a dive into the nitty gritty of epsom salt fertilizer and explore some of the most asked questions.
What is epsom salt?
Epsom salt is nothing like the table salt you are familiar with. It is actually a naturally occurring compound called magnesium sulfate. It got its name because it was originally produced from a salty spring in the village of Epsom in Surrey, England. The two components, magnesium and sulfur, are considered helpful for many plants, including tomatoes.
What does epsom salt do?
Epsom salt has medical uses, but it is also used in the garden when soil and plants have a magnesium deficiency. There are several important things that these two elements do for plants.
- Magnesium: helps with seed germination, improves chlorophyll production, strengthens cell walls, helps the plant use nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur more effectively, creates larger, more productive plants and fruit.
- Sulfur: helps produce vitamins, amino acids and enzymes, enhances flavor, reduces diseases, and increases yields.
How do you use epsom salt on tomatoes?
Epsom salt can be used throughout the growing season. When planting tomato seedlings, sprinkle the epsom salt evenly over the soil and work it in. Use approximately 1 cup of epsom salt for every 100 square feet.
When blossoms start to appear, you can sprinkle 1 TB of epsom salt per foot of plant height around the base of the plant and water it well. Do this once or twice a month. You can also use it in a solution with water on the fruit and foliage. Many recommend 1- 2 TB of epsom salt for each gallon of water. Simply dissolve it in water, and then water your plants with it once a month.
Are there any disadvantages to using epsom salt?
You do not want to over-use epsom salt, as it could harm the plants. If your soil is low in calcium, using epsom salt can put your plants at an even higher risk of blossom end rot. On the whole, epsom salt does seem to work to grow nice tomatoes, but it is just one part of the overall puzzle. Epsom salt alone will not meet all the needs of the plants, so you will likely be using other fertilizers as well.
Are there better options available?
A better option to save time, money, and energy would be to use a complete fertilizer that is proven to grow the best tomatoes. Tomato Secret is the best tomato fertilizer on the market today with a superior blend of natural ingredients to grow the largest, juiciest, and most delicious tomatoes on earth. Visit drjimz.com for more information.
