Epsom salt might typically be used to cure aching muscles, but it’s got plenty of uses beyond that.
Also known as magnesium sulfate, the salt contains magnesium and sulfur – two minerals that are known to be of great benefit to plants.
If you didn’t know, that box of Epsom salt you have could be used to work absolute wonders with your garden. See the 11 uses below to find out how to better utilize this multi-purpose miracle …
1. Pest Control
Sprinkling Epsom salt in your garden can help keep the most voracious of pests away. Snails, slugs and groundhogs don’t like it, so they generally keep away from vegetation after its application. Alternatively, you can make a spray solution with 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Green lawns
It’s true! Sprinkling Epsom salt on your lawn can actually make it greener over time. Tired of having discoloured grass? Tire no more …
3. Weed killer
Weeds are a nuisance; we all know this. Fortunately, you can make a killer, err … weed killer with this mixture: 1 gallon of white vinegar, 2 cups of Epsom salt and 1/4 cup of dish soap. Spray it directly onto weeds for the desired results; dish soap helps it stick to the plant, while the salt dehydrates the weed.
4. Good for peppers and tomatoes
Did you know that Epsom salt can increase the size and abundance of tomatoes and peppers in your garden (providing your growing them)? It also supposedly enhances the flavour, so there’s really no excuse not to try it. For this one, you can either toss some salt dry at the base of the plants, or alternatively mix 1-2 tablespoons of salt with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle.
5. Sweeter fruit
Seasoned growers have reported that adding Epsom salt has helped increase the sweetness of their fruits. This rings true for peaches, strawberries, watermelons and citrus fruits when the salt is applied every 2 weeks. Cantaloupes, meanwhile, benefit from a handful added to the soil during the last few weeks of growth.
6. Revitalise your leaves
Are the leaves on your plants curled or looking fatigued? Generally this is a case of magnesium deficiency, and can be remedied by sprinkling Epsom salt and water into the soil of the affected plant.
7. Trees
Want to get rid of a tree stump? Drill 8-inch holes all about the stump and fill them with Epsom salt and enough water to moisten. Cover the stump with tarp or dirt and leave it be. This process dries and rots out the stump.
Meanwhile, if you own a palm tree and want to stop it yellowing or drying out, add 2 cups of Epsom salt around the trunks.
8. Roses
Enhancing the rich colour of your roses can be done with Epsom salt too. Before planting a new rose bush, soak the roots in 1/2 cup Epsom salt dissolved in 1 gallon of water. When the roses are in bloom, add 1 tablespoon to the soil and water it as normal – do this once a month.
9. Nourishing the soil
Due to its magnesium and sulfur content, Epsom salt does a great job of feeding your soil. Farmers and gardeners alike find it to be an excellent fertilizer and it’s good for household plants too.
10. Helping seeds
Adding 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to your soil, before you plant your seeds, helps with germination and transplant shock. Add it to the bottom of the hole you’ve dug and cover it with a pinch of soil before planting your new seeds.
11. Bee stings and poison ivy
Aaaaannnnd for the bonus point, Epsom salt can also be useful to you. If you’re working in the garden and happen to be stung by a bee, burned by the sun or have a brush with poison ivy, simply dip a washcloth in a cup of water mixed with two tablespoons of Epsom salt. Apply it to the necessary area and you’ll find some relief.
So, there we have it. Who knew Epsom salt could help with so many varied things? I certainly didn’t.
Give this story a share to spread the word and let your friends and family on Facebook clue themselves up on the hidden uses of this common household product.
