Gardening is a rewarding endeavor, but it often requires a bit of know-how to ensure your plants thrive. One secret weapon that has been widely used by gardeners is Epsom salt.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of using Epsom salt spray on your plants, providing you with insights on how it can boost your garden’s health and yield.
We’ll explore why Epsom salt is valuable, how it works, and provide you with an easy-to-follow Epsom salt spray recipe to help your plants flourish.
Benefits of Using Epsom Salt Spray on Plants
- Essential Nutrients: Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), provides your plants with a valuable dose of magnesium and sulfur, two vital nutrients for plant growth and health.
- Chlorophyll Production: Magnesium is crucial for chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll harnesses sunlight to create energy, ensuring your plants are vibrant and thriving.
- Photosynthesis Enhancement: Magnesium also plays a role in capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis, converting it into essential glucose that fuels your plants’ growth and vitality.
- Sulfur’s Role: Sulfur, another component of Epsom salt, aids in root development, helps plants withstand cold temperatures, promotes chlorophyll production, and activates proteins and enzymes vital for overall plant growth.
- Improved Flavor: Many gardeners find that sulfur enhances the flavor of certain vegetables, such as onions and garlic, adding a delightful depth of taste to your homegrown produce.
Epsom Salt Spray Recipe
Creating your Epsom salt spray is a breeze with this simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
- Water
- Measuring spoons (tablespoon)
- Spray bottle or watering can
Instructions:
- Planting Hole Application:
- When transplanting your tomato, pepper, or cucumber plants, dig a planting hole.
- Add one tablespoon of Epsom salt directly into the planting hole.
- Mix the Epsom salt thoroughly with the soil in the hole.
- Plant your seedling in the treated hole.
- Transplant Watering:
- Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
- Use this solution to water your newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly.
- Ensure the soil absorbs the solution.
- Foliar Spray:
- Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle or use a watering can.
- Spray the solution generously on your plant’s leaves when they begin to flower.
- Repeat the spray when the first fruits set, ensuring thorough coverage of the leaves.
Further reading
I’ve created a list of several types of homemade organic sprays that provide nutrients or protect plants from pests and diseases. Check the post below for this list.

Fact Checked, Written, and Published by
Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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