Epsom salt has a number of uses in your garden – not just to put into your bath to relieve sore muscles. Magnesium and sulfur are the two main components of Epsom salt, and are two of the main six macronutrients plants need. And while magnesium and sulfur occur naturally in the soil, they can become depleted over time. Here’s how you can use it in your garden.

1. Apply directly on tomatoes, peppers, and roses
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and water the roots of the plant or spray directly onto the leaves. This is most effective when plants are flowering and producing fruit.  You can also put a tablespoon of epsom salt at the bottom of your planting hole when transplanting young seedlings.

2. Add it into add to compost pile before spreading it in your garden
Depending on how much compost you create and how large an area you grow in, estimate roughly 1 cup per 100 square feet of garden area or 1 cup 1/3 cubic yard of finished compost.

As with all soil additives, conducting a soil test before amending your soil will help you to determine how important and necessary various treatments are.

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