Epsom Salts for Growing Herbs
Healthy soil makes all the difference in how your herb garden grows. The right levels of potassium, nitrogen, magnesium and sulfur create the perfect growing environment for all plants. Using a soil amendment, such as Epsom salt, may improve soil conditions and create healthier, more productive herbs.
Why Epsom Salt Works
Epsom salts contains two key components of healthy soil: magnesium and sulfate, the natural mineral form of sulfur. Magnesium, a physical component of chlorophyll, aids in absorption of other key nutrients. Sulfur helps with the production of amino acids and enzymes and helps create the flavor of the final product. If these two elements are deficient, Epsom salts may alleviate the problem.
Don't Go Overboard
First, test soil for deficiencies to determine the need for Epsom salts. WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center studies found that commercial applications of Epsom salts increased deficient levels during mass crop production; however, there was no added benefit when using Epsom salts on soil that already possessed optimal levels of magnesium and sulfate.
Adding Salt to the Herb Diet
Epsom salts added directly to soil wash away during watering and rain, decreasing the amount that reaches the root system. Using a foliar spray -- 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts dissolved in 1 gallon of water -- is a more effective method of adding magnesium and sulfate because foliage quickly absorbs the beneficial elements.
Based in Ohio, Deborah Waltenburg has been writing online since 2004, focusing on personal finance, personal and commercial insurance, travel and tourism, home improvement and gardening. Her work has appeared on numerous blogs, industry websites and media websites, including "USA Today."