Can too much Epsom salt burn plants?

QUESTION: Can too much Epsom salt burn plants? I read about using it to grow better tomatoes. – Frieda S

ANSWER: Yes, epsom salt can burn your plants. Many gardeners use Epsom salt in their garden because of what it contains, magnesium sulfate.

This is great for getting rid of pests in your garden and causing your plants to produce bountiful harvests. It can also make your plants appear more vibrant as it assists with photosynthesis.

However, you must ask the following questions prior to applying Epsom salt:

1. Are my plants producing as they should?

2. Do my plants already appear vibrant?

If your plants look healthy and are producing as they should, they may not need Epsom salt. This is where the problem arises when using this ingredient in your garden.

When using too much Epsom salt, you could cause an imbalance in your soil. This imbalance can lead to stunted growth in your plants, dark foliage, burned roots, and can also make it difficult for your plants to absorb calcium.

Therefore, before you start adding Epsom salt to your garden, be sure to test your soil. If the test shows that your soil is lacking magnesium, use this product. Your plants should prosper by this added care.

Yet, if you find your soil isn’t lacking in nutrients, skip this step. Adding Epsom salt could bring more harm than good to your plants if used incorrectly.

Learn More About Epsom Salts in the Garden

Click to access epsom-salts.pdf

https://extension.umn.edu/manage-soil-nutrients/coffee-grounds-eggshells-epsom-salts

http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/myths.html