Do You Put Epsom Salt Around Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and most grown vegetables around the world. They are easy to grow, and their fruits are nutritious and delicious. However, growing healthy tomato plants requires good soil conditions and proper care. One practice that some gardeners swear by is sprinkling Epsom salt around tomato plants. But, do you put Epsom salt around tomato plants, and why?

What is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is not like regular table salt that we use in our food. Epsom salt is a mineral compound that contains magnesium and sulfur. It is named after a town called Epsom in Surrey, England, where the mineral was first discovered. Epsom salt is commonly used as a soak for sore muscles and is also believed to have health benefits when consumed internally in small doses.

Can Epsom salt be used as a fertilizer for tomatoes?

Tomatoes need many nutrients to grow, including magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. Epsom salt can provide magnesium and sulfur to the soil, which may help improve tomato growth and yield. However, Epsom salt should not be used as a substitute for a complete fertilizer because it does not provide all the nutrients that tomatoes need.

How to use Epsom salt around tomato plants?

If you decide to use Epsom salt around your tomato plants, it's essential to do it correctly to avoid harming your plants. The recommended rate is one tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water. You can then apply the solution to the soil around the base of the plant, or you can foliar spray the solution onto the leaves of the plant. However, it is essential not to overdo it, as too much magnesium can harm your plants.

What are the benefits of using Epsom salt for tomatoes?

Gardeners who use Epsom salt for their tomato plants claim that it helps to increase fruit size and yield, prevent blossom end rot, and make the fruits taste better. Some studies suggest that magnesium-deficient soils may lead to poor tomato growth and yield, and using Epsom salt can help provide a magnesium boost.

Conclusion

So, do you put Epsom salt around tomato plants? The answer is yes, you can, but in moderation. Epsom salt can provide your tomato plants with magnesium and sulfur, which can help improve growth and yield. However, it should not be used as a fertilizer substitute, and you should follow the recommended rates to avoid harming your plants. In the end, Epsom salt is just one of the many tools that gardeners can use to help grow healthy and delicious tomatoes.