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
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 (opens in new tab). 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
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 (opens in new tab) too.
2. Mixing Epsom salt with water
The Epsom Salt Council (opens in new tab) 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
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?
