Comments on: When And How To Use Epsom Salt For Tomato Plants

By: Albert

Albert — Tue, 03 May 2022 03:53:17 +0000

Hi Laura:
Nice and informative article on use of Epsom salt in tomato and other garden plants! I thought I should correct a piece of information in the article — for the benefit of those who might need it for future reference: Magnesium (Mg) and Sulfur (S), which are plant nutrients contained in Epsom salt are actually “secondary macronutrients” and not micronutrients as presented in the article. They are next to NPK in the amount needed by garden plants. Where Mg and S are deficient, one expects Epsom salt to correct such deficiencies. Where soil/growth media tests show that these elements are adequate, Epsom salt is not likely to add any value to the growth of the garden plant.

Do you have any information or experience on using Gypsum salt to correct Calcium deficiency and by extension, tomato blossom end rot?

Thanks for sharing your article!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:19:08 +0000

I, too, have wanted to use Epsom Salts in my garden but wasn’t quite sure how — Great artlcle!! I do have one question, however, how do you keep banana peels until you need them in your garden? in the refrigerator? I’d be afraid if I kept them on the counter, they would get moldy — and I struggle keeping used coffee grounds that long without them getting moldy…

By: Karen Dunn

Karen Dunn — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:52:34 +0000

Please give me measurements for making watering solution for my tomatoes. They are in containers. Thanks

By: Helen Waldron

Helen Waldron — Wed, 20 May 2020 11:44:23 +0000

Hello. Epson Salt definately works. My tomatoes are healthy, juicy and huge. I also sprinkle 1 cup Epson salt and 1 cup coarse salt around my citrus trees every 6 months and I have beautiful fruit. My Barberton Daisy plants just love the Epson salt water.
Greetings from South Africa !

By: Paolo

Paolo — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 23:00:51 +0000

In reply to Laura.

Containers? Please be careful… . A few years ago we created a large ‘container garden’, comprising over fifty large (100 litre) plastic crates. Elevated, these overcame problems with rabbits, roos and many other free diners. We grew most of our food in these containers. Alerted by friends to some of the dangers of plastics (See https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331 ) we switched to plastic-free raised gardens, recycling long lengths of metal roofing, to create long, high garden beds. These now provide year-long, BPA-free vegetables in season.

I accept that suburban living restricts this kind of large scale project… but I’m concerned whenever I read that folk are using BPA-laced plastic containers, or chemically-treated wooden containers, to grow food. It’s just not worth the risk.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:36:07 +0000

In reply to Thomas Henthorne. Epsom salts definitely have their place in the garden!

By: Thomas Henthorne

Thomas Henthorne — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 22:35:19 +0000

I was just about to try epsom salts on my tomatoes and I’m glad I read your article. I have had an issue with blossom end rot in past seasons and don’t want to risk making it worse. Epsom salts did wonders for my roses however!

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 12:57:28 +0000

In reply to Nikki Krakauer aka JustTabandMe. Hi, Nikki! Thanks for your nice comments! Container gardening is a great way to get around all kinds of soil problems. So glad you're having success with it!

By: Nikki Krakauer aka JustTabandMe

Nikki Krakauer aka JustTabandMe — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:28:49 +0000

Thank you so much for your insightful article! I’ve never used Epsom salts in my garden, and although I keep intending too, I’ve backed off because I didn’t feel I had enough information about the pros & cons. I’m truly grateful to you for giving me this clarification. As with all things in life, I find it’s best to just move slowly with changes, & if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. I find that by doing my veggies and flowers in containers, I can provide each plant with just the right soil for optimum growth. I really appreciate your instructions. Thank you!

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 22:57:41 +0000

In reply to Sandor Biczo. So glad to hear that! Thank you!