Using Epsom salt for tomatoes could do more harm than good, according to an expert.
One especially prevalent home remedy is Epsom salt, a common bath additive.
But should you use Epsom salt for tomatoes?
Credit:Paul Maguire / Adobe Stock
Like manygarden myths, this one contains a grain of truth, offset by several contradictions.
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, does contain magnesium andsulfur, both important plant nutrients.
When your soil is deficient, amending can be helpful.
However, experts say if used incorrectly, magnesium sulfate can have many unintended consequences.
It shouldnt be added to every tomato plant as a matter of course.
Adding too much of any nutrient can cause damage to soils and plants.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for vegetable plants and instrumental in chlorophyll formation.
Sulfur helps tomato plants build proteins and develop that delicious flavor.
Lets look at each reason for using Epsom salt.
As a fertilizer.
When your soil is deficient, Epsom salt can be helpful as an amendment.
Excesses can cause salt burn on your vegetable plants foliage too.
To fix yellowing leaves.
There are many reasons leaves turn yellow besides magnesium deficiency.
To cure blossom end rot.
Its unclear how this myth of using Epsom salt for blossom end rot started.
Once it starts, the rest of the fruit degrades.
The lesions are triggered by poor uptake of calcium triggered by inconsistent watering and sometimes planting in cool temperatures.
“Adding unnecessary nutrients does nothing to help.
Alternatives to Using Epsom Salt for Tomatoes
Test your soil.
Magnesium deficiency in home gardens isnt very common, it turns out.
Soil tests by mail are usually offered by university or county extension offices.
It doesnt contain any of the other nutrients that plants need (like NPK).
Pay attention to macro- and micronutrients.
Premium fertilizers usually contain more diverse ingredients.
Water consistently.
Once watering becomes consistent, blossom end rot usually resolves itself for later fruit.
Sainju, Upendra & Dris, Ramdane & Singh, Bharat.
(2003).Mineral nutrition of tomato.
Food, Agriculture & Environment.
