- Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is a beneficial nutrient for plants. Magnesium can encourage plant growth, particularly in plants that need this mineral to thrive. Roses and hosta plants need a lot of magnesium. If they are planted in soil that is magnesium deprived, they simply will not thrive. However, adding this mixture to the soil directly at the plant's base and lightly watering it will cause the magnesium to leach into the soil, where it can be absorbed by the plant's root system.
- Epsom salts also contain a high level of sulfur, which is also necessary for proper plant growth. Sulfur deficiencies are commonly seen in soils where the same kind of plant has been planted for several years. Once again, roses and hostas can be the culprit, particularly because they are perennial and are not rotated around the garden. By using epsom salts on the soil every year, sulfur deficiencies can be corrected and plants will once again thrive.
- These salts should be used in moderation, especially at first. Yearly application is recommended, unless the plant and soil are severely lacking in minerals. It is best to shake approximately 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts on the soil under the plant and add about a gallon of water or saturate the surrounding soil. The soil and the plant should be monitored for a month before re-treating. Ideally, one treatment will be enough to see rapid growth of the plant. If this is not seen, re-treat as necessary.
- Epsom salts can also be beneficial to other plants in the garden. For example, pepper and tomato plants also require magnesium to grow properly. But the salts should not be used until the plants are in flower. These flowers will eventually form into the plant's fruit and this is the stage at which magnesium is critical. Once flowers are noticed, the soil under the plant should be treated with Epsom salts and water. Liquid fertilizer can also be used to help encourage plant growth.
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