by Sheri Fink

Created on: February 11, 2007   Last Updated: April 26, 2007

Did you know that epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can make your plants grow larger with bigger and brighter blooms? That's right, the same epsom salt that you use to soak your sore muscles can be mixed with water to improve the health of your garden and trees. Follow the instructions below to enhance your lawn, garden, and trees.

FERTILIZER
Lawn Fertilizer
To use as a lawn fertilizer, apply 1/2 pound per one thousand square feet of lawn.

Gardent Plants and Shrubs
For use in your garden and around shrubbery, sprinkle two tablespoons around the base of each plant. For best results, water plants after applying the epsom salt.

PLANT FOOD SUPPLEMENT
Tomatoes and Roses
To improve the size of your tomato plants and your roses, use one teaspoon of epsom salt per foot of your plant's height every two weeks. Water your plants after applying the epsom salt.

Lawns
For your lawn, use three pounds of epsom salt per 1,250 square feet. Always water your lawn after applying the supplement.

Evergreen, Azaleas, and Rhododendrons
Apply one tablespoon of epsom salt per nine square feet (3' x 3')over the root zone every 2-4 weeks.

Trees
Apply two tablespoons per nine square feet (3' x 3') over the root zone once every four months.

Garden
If you are starting a garden, sprinkle approximately one cup of epsom salt per 100 square feet (10' x 10') and mix well into the soil before you plant. Once you've finished planting, water your garden for best results.

Houseplants
Indoor houseplants can also benefit from using epsom salt as a plant food supplement. Simply mix one teaspoon of epsom salt per gallon of water and feed to your plants every 1-4 weeks. Two week intervals seem to work well for most plants.

Epsom salt can be purchased inexpensively in most drug stores (such as CVS and Walgreens), discount retailers (such as Wal-Mart and Target), and home and garden stores (such as The Home Depot). Try it out today and in just a few weeks, you'll be able to see the difference that epsom salt can make to the beauty of your plants. Happy gardening!

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