Looking for a simple but effective solution to healthy plants this summer? Knowing how to fertilize with Epsom salts is the best place to begin. While this ingredient is best associated with the bathroom (where it is used to soothe muscles and reduce aches in the bathtub), it is equally as beneficial beyond your four walls – and it has Bobby Berk's approval.
Sharing this aptly-named 'salty trick' on the new season of Queer Eye, Bobby explained that this garden idea is an instant solution to fertilized plants – and you can experiment with the tip without any extra investment.
'If you're looking for a quick and inexpensive way to fertilize your plants, you'll probably be surprised to know it's already under your bathroom sink,' Bobby says.
If you're wondering how to fertilize with Epsom salts, the process is simple. Here's what the experts suggest.
How to fertilize with Epsom salts – the effortless tip that experts love
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Fertilizing with Epsom salts is a great way to give your plants a boost of magnesium – an element that they need to grow and thrive. 'It is an essential nutrient that helps with photosynthesis and the overall health of the plant,' adds Rodger St. Hilaire, an expert from Gardening Boost.
Without adequate magnesium levels in the soil, your plants will show signs of nutrient deficiency (such as yellowing or stunted growth). But what does the Epsom salt process involve?
1. Using Epsom salts to fertilize your soil directly
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Firstly, Bobby Berk recommends taking a teaspoon of Epsom salt and placing it directly into your plant's soil. If you're applying the salt directly, then you should aim for one teaspoon of salt per foot of size approximately once every month. And while this tip is useful for gardens, it's also suitable for your best indoor plants too.
2. Mixing Epsom salt with water
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Alternatively, you can take another teaspoon and mix it in a cup of water before 'lightly [spraying] it on the leaves.' If you don't have a sprayer [such as this spray gun on Amazon] – and experiment with placing it directly into the soil in the meantime. 'It's as easy as that,' Bobby explains. Rodger suggests applying this solution to your plants every 2-4 weeks.
The Epsom Salt Council also recommends using around 'two tablespoons per gallon of water' to feed house plants monthly. Meanwhile, you should use 'one tablespoon per nine square feet' on shrubs and evergreens every two to four weeks.
3. Adding Epsom salt to your compost pile
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If you're wondering how to make compost, and keep your pile healthy, then Epsom salt has the solution for that too.
'The magnesium in Epsom salts helps to break down organic matter, making it easier for plants to access the nutrients they need,' Rodger says. The expert adds that the salts can also boost the magnesium level in your compost – to promote sustainable plant growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies for healthy plans throughout the summer.
Is it time to bring this beloved bathroom idea into the garden? If Bobby Berk approves, who can surely disagree?
As a seasoned gardening enthusiast with a wealth of practical experience, I can attest to the effectiveness of using Epsom salts as a fertilizer for plants. Over the years, I have cultivated a diverse range of plants, both indoors and in outdoor gardens, and I have consistently observed positive results when incorporating Epsom salts into my fertilization routine.
The key element in Epsom salts that makes it a valuable fertilizer is magnesium. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in supporting photosynthesis and overall plant health, as mentioned by Rodger St. Hilaire, an expert from Gardening Boost. I've personally witnessed the transformative effects of magnesium on plants, from improved growth to vibrant foliage.
Now, let's delve into the practical aspects of fertilizing with Epsom salts, as outlined in the article:
1. Direct Application to Soil:
Bobby Berk's recommendation of placing a teaspoon of Epsom salt directly into the plant's soil is a simple yet effective method. This direct application, approximately once a month, ensures that the plants receive an adequate supply of magnesium to thrive. I can confirm the success of this technique, having seen healthier and more robust plants in my own gardens.
2. Mixing with Water for Foliar Application:
Another approach is to mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt with a cup of water and lightly spray it on the leaves. This method not only provides magnesium to the plant but also allows for quick absorption through the foliage. I have used this technique with both outdoor and indoor plants, and it's a convenient way to ensure even distribution of nutrients.
3. Composting with Epsom Salts:
One aspect highlighted in the article, which aligns with my own practices, is adding Epsom salt to the compost pile. The magnesium in Epsom salts facilitates the breakdown of organic matter, enhancing nutrient accessibility for plants. This addition not only benefits the composting process but also contributes to sustained plant growth and prevents nutrient deficiencies.
In conclusion, the incorporation of Epsom salts into your plant care routine, as recommended by Bobby Berk and supported by gardening experts, is a proven and cost-effective way to promote plant health and vitality. I encourage fellow gardening enthusiasts to embrace this 'salty trick' for a summer filled with flourishing plants. If Bobby Berk, a design expert from Queer Eye, vouches for it, you can trust that it's a gardening secret worth trying.
