Tag Archives: epsom salt

How to give fertilizers to plants? Basic Tips

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Giving fertilizers to plants is an important aspect of gardening that provides the essential nutrients required for healthy plant growth. Just as humans and other animals require food for survival and growth, plants also require nutrients for growth and production. In the absence of these nutrients, the growth of plants stops and the yield decreases.

For proper nourishment and growth, plants require soil, water, sunlight, fertilizers, as well as human love and care. It’s essential to use these resources effectively and efficiently. This article will address four essential questions (3 W and 1 H- Why, What, When and How) related to feeding your plants:

1. Why should you feed your plants?

2. What should you feed them?

3. When should you feed them?

4. How should you feed them?

Classification of fertilizers for Outdoor plants

Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, which helps to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. They also release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply of nutrients to the plants over time.

Some of the fertilizers are mentioned below:

  • Compost
  • Neem cake
  • Mustard cake
  • Epsom salt
  • Banana peel liquid fertilizer
  • Cow dung liquid fertilizer
  • Seaweed fertilizer

1. Compost for Outdoor plants

  • When making a soil mixture for outdoor plants, compost is a preferred ingredient.
  • Compost is a natural fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil health.
  • It makes the soil porous and also retains water for a longer duration.
  • If the soil in existing plants is becoming clayey or tight, adding compost can help to improve the soil quality.
  • You can use any type of compost, including cow dung, vermicompost, leaf compost, or kitchen compost.

2. Neem Cake fertilizer for outdoor plants 

  • Neem cake, a byproduct of neem seed oil extraction, can be used as a natural pesticide and fungicide to prevent attacks by insects, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in soil.
  • It helps to improve soil quality by adding essential nutrients, enhancing soil structure, and increasing water retention.
  • It can be added to the soil mixture in small amounts as it is very potent.

We can add neem cake powder to the soil mixture as well as we can make neem cake liquid fertilizers and give them once a month.

You can read the detailed article here:

Neem Cake Fertilizer at Home

 

3. Mustard cake fertilizer 

  • The mustard cake fertilizer is a very strong fertilizer and should be used with caution.
  • It is recommended to apply it during the winter season when the weather is cooler and the soil is more receptive to nutrients.
  • However, it can also be used during summers, but it is not recommended during extremely hot weather when the temperature is near 40 ℃.
  • We can add a little bit of mustard cake powder in soil-mixture as well as we can give mustard cake liquid fertilizer to plants once a month.
  • It is important to dilute mustard cake properly in a handsome amount of water before applying it to plants, as it can be too strong for plants if used directly.

You can read the detailed article here:

Mustard Cake Fertilizer

 

4. Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) for outdoor plants

  • In cases where plants are not growing properly despite receiving adequate fertilizers, water, and sunlight, Epsom salt can be considered as a good supplement.
  • We can either directly add Epsom salt to the soil or make a dilute solution and give it in the soil or can make a foliar spray.
  • We have to give Epsom salt only when it is needed.

It is important to use Epsom salt in moderation and always maintain a gap of at least 10 -12 days between the two fertilizers to avoid over-nutrients to the plants.

  • This will allow the plants to absorb the nutrients from each fertilizer effectively and prevent any negative effects on plant growth.

You can read the detailed article here:

Epsom Salt for plants: benefits & uses

5. Banana Peel fertilizer for outdoor plants

 

  • Banana peel fertilizer can act as a catalyst for plants during the flowering or fruiting stage, or in cases where the plant is not blooming.
  • The high levels of Potassium and Phosphorus in banana peels can help to promote the growth and development of flowers and fruits, while also providing other essential nutrients to the plants.
  • The best is to make Banana peel liquid fertilizer and give it to the soil. Otherwise, you can add Banana peel to the Kitchen compost as raw banana peels may attract pests and insects.
  • Banana peel liquid fertilizer should be given once every fifteen days.

Must read article on 
Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizer

6. Cow dung liquid fertilizer 

  • Cow Dung liquid fertilizer is a widely used and popular form of organic fertilizer.
  • It is rich in nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Additionally, it contains microorganisms that help in the breakdown of organic matter in the soil and improve soil fertility.
  • It can be given to any outdoor as well as indoor plants once a month.

It is important to ensure that the cow dung compost tea has been properly aged or composted before using it, as fresh cow manure can contain high levels of ammonia that can harm plants.

You can read the detailed article here:

How to make Cow dung fertilizer for plants

7. Seaweed fertilizer

  • Seaweed fertilizer is a natural and organic fertilizer made from seaweed extract.
  • It is rich in micro and macronutrients.
  • Seaweed fertilizer can be used on a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, indoor plants, plant cuttings in water, etc.
  • It can be applied in the form of granules as well as liquid fertilizer.
  • We can do foliar spray, soil drench, or add directly to the growing medium of plants.
  • It can be given to any outdoor plants once a month.

You can read the detailed article here:

Seaweed Fertilizer: Benefits and Uses

Important points to note:

1. All the liquid fertilizers are endowed with balanced nutrients like NPK, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, and all other nutrients.

2. Rotation of the above-mentioned fertilizers is recommended every 20-25 days.

3. A deficiency of nutrients can be recovered in the plants but excess nutrition will damage the plant. So, even if you are giving any tonic or any supplement to plants always maintain the suggested time gap of at least 10-15 days.

4. Vegetable plants such as tomatoes, green chilies, brinjal, cabbage, bitter gourd, etc. should be fertilized with liquid fertilizers every 20 days.

5. For other outdoor plants, including both flowering and non-flowering ones like Tulsi (Holy basil) and Curry tree, etc. and Hibiscus, liquid fertilizer should be applied every 25 days.

Fertilizers for Indoor Plants 

  • It is important to select an appropriate fertilizer for indoor plants, as they have specific nutritional needs. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of Nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium as well as micronutrients is often recommended for indoor plants.
  • Indoor plants such as ZZ plants, Areca Palms, Syngoniums, Money plants, Anthurium, Snake plants, Peace lilies, etc. require nutrients approximately once every two months during their active growth period, typically in the spring and summer months.
  • Giving fertilizers to these plants during the dormant period in winter is generally not recommended, as they require less water and nutrients during this time.

Fertilizers:

  • Cow Dung fertilizer is the most suitable fertilizer for this category.
  • Mustard cake fertilizer can also be given to them once a year.
  • Seaweed fertilizer (granules/liquid fertilizer) can be given once in a 2 months gap.

Vegetable plants need water, sunlight, fertilizer, and everything in a maximal amount whereas indoor plants need minimal of everything.

Prioritize your plants and pick suitable fertilizer to nourish them.

Happy Gardening !!

epsom salt

Epsom Salt for plants: Benefits & Uses

Blog, Fertilizers & Tonics, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Epsom salt can work wonders for your plants when used wisely, aiding in providing proper nutrients and promoting full growth. It is rich in magnesium and sulfur.

“Magnesium sulfate increases the amount of chlorophyll and keeps the plants green. It can be used for all crops like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, cotton, sugarcane, etc.”

epsom salt plants blog

In this blog, we are going to discuss-:

  • various facts about Epsom salt.
  • Why should we use Epsom Salt?
  • What is Epsom salt?
  • How to use Epsom salt?

Have you ever noticed that despite providing everything necessary for healthy plant growth—such as the right soil, suitable pots, adequate sunlight, optimal temperature, quality water, fertilizer, and pest control—your plants still fail to thrive as expected? That’s where Epsom salt can work its magic!

But what exactly is Epsom salt? Is it the same as table salt, rock salt, or the kind used during fasting? Let’s delve into this topic in detail.”

About EPSOM SALT

If you search on Google for information on Epsom salt, you may come across results suggesting that it is “sendha namak” or rock salt (NaCl – Sodium Chloride), which is entirely incorrect.

NaCl, or table salt, is indeed edible, whereas Epsom salt is not.

Important note:

  • It is crucial to avoid using edible salt in the planting process, as it could potentially harm your plants, leading to adverse outcomes.

Epsom salt, scientifically known as Magnesium Sulphate

Epsom salt, scientifically known as Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO₄), serves as a beneficial supplement for plants. You can easily purchase Epsom salt online, from nurseries, or any medical store.

  • Additionally, Epsom salt is sometimes recommended by doctors for its therapeutic properties, such as for relieving swelling, through methods like Epsom salt fomentation.

Myth about Epsom Salt

There is a common misconception that Epsom salt purchased from medical stores may not be as effective for plants, but this notion is entirely misleading.

Whether you buy Epsom salt from nurseries, online markets, or medical stores, the properties of the salt remain consistent.

  • All varieties of Epsom salt will perform the same function for plants, regardless of where you purchase them.

Why do we need EPSOM salt for the plants?

Generally, plants need seventeen essential nutrients for maintaining their health, some of them are Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Sulphur, etc.

epsom salt for plants

The Importance of Magnesium and Sulfur for Plant Health

1. If plants lack Magnesium, then their chlorophyll level will get affected negatively, which in turn will hamper the process of photosynthesis and it might weaken the particular plant and its growth.

  • Moreover, if plants will not produce chlorophyll, the natural green color of leaves will be affected.

2. As our body requires proteins and fats, similarly plants also require fats and proteins for optimal growth and lack of magnesium stops the formation of proteins and fats in plants.

3. Now, the next important nutrient is Sulfur, which is very essential to maintain the green color of leaves.

  • Lack of Sulfur in plants is the cause of leaves starting to turn yellow and plus it stops cell division also, hence, no new growth in the plants.
  • Your plant will have no new leaves, no new branches, no flowers, no new buds, no fruits, and absolutely nothing.

curry leaf

4. But, Epsom salt is full of Magnesium and Sulfur both. So, if you use Epsom Salt for plants, then it will boost their growth and the green color of the leaves will be maintained.

5. Generally, sometimes you might have noticed that the growth of Curry plants gets hampered even after taking tremendous care of the plant.

  • In that condition, try the Epsom salt once and you will notice visible changes in the growth of the plant.
  • Plus, you will find that new leaves are coming and the size has also broadened.

How to use Epsom Salt for plants?

There are two ways in which you can provide Epsom Salt to your plants:

1. First Method – Dissolve 1 tablespoon (tbsp) Epsom Salt in 1 Liter water. Now, spray this solution on plant leaves. In this procedure, Epsom Salt will enter the plant through the pores of leaves.

Spraying Epsom Salt on plants

 

2. Second Method – Loosen your soil, and dig it a little. After that, put Epsom Salt in the soil.

  • In case you have a big pot use 1 tablespoon (tbsp) and use ½ tablespoon (tbsp) Epsom Salt in case you have a smaller pot.
  • Again, cover it up with soil and mix it generously. After that, give water to the plant.

In these two methods, the second method is relatively more effective because when roots absorb Epsom Salt, it will be equally distributed throughout the plant.

1. In the first method, i.e. using the leaf spray method, in spite of many spray hits not every leaf will receive the solution, plus there is a possibility of getting the solution wasted.

2. One more thing you can follow both the process parallelly also. If you want, you can put some Epsom Salt in the soil and you can spray it on the leaves.

After this procedure, wait for 8-10 days, as it will work slowly and gradually. It is not magic that will show results instantly.

  • So, after giving Epsom Salt for the first time, repeat the same procedure after 8-10 days again. And you will see visible changes in the growth of your plant.

Excess of everything is bad and the same is the case here also. Epsom Salt is not a fertilizer. Hence, it must not be used repeatedly in plants.

Important points

1. When given repeatedly, it might increase the concentration levels of Magnesium Sulphate and the balance of other nutrients might be affected which will worsen the condition of your plant.

2. You should use Epsom Salt only when your plant needs it.

3. If your plant is looking dull and its growth is totally hampered then first you should give fertilizers to the plant and check for pest attacks.

4. If everything is fine with your plant and still its growth is hampered then you can use Epsom Salt for your plant without any fear.

5. Epsom Salt can be used for your indoor, outdoor, flowering, non-flowering, vegetable, and any other kind of plant. People often use it for their money plants and curry leaves plants.

That was all about “EPSOM SALT”.

epsom salt FAQs

FAQs on Epsom Salt for Plants

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Epsom Salt is considered one of the best fertilizers in gardening due to its various benefits.

In this comprehensive guide, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide you with a better understanding of how Epsom Salt can enhance your plant growth.

Epsom salt

Q1: What is Epsom salt?

Ans: Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate, is a mineral compound containing magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. 

Q2: How can Epsom salt benefit plants?

Ans: Epsom salt provides essential nutrients, particularly magnesium, which is crucial for plant growth.

  • It can enhance nutrient absorption, chlorophyll production, and overall plant health. Additionally, it may help prevent magnesium deficiency in plants.

Q3: How do I use Epsom salt in gardening?

Ans: You can give Epsom salt in two ways:

First method:

  • Dissolve 1 tablespoon (tbsp) Epsom Salt in 1 Liter water.
  • Now, spray this solution on plant leaves. In this procedure, Epsom Salt will enter the plant through the pores of leaves.

Second method:

add epsom salt in soil

  • Loosen your soil, and dig it a little. After that, put Epsom Salt in the soil.

Q4: When should I use Epsom salt on plants?

Ans: Epsom salt can be applied throughout the growing season.

  • However, it is often recommended during periods of rapid growth, such as when plants are flowering or fruiting.
  • It can also be beneficial if magnesium deficiency symptoms, like yellowing leaves, are observed.

Q5: Can Epsom salt be used on all types of plants?

Ans: Epsom salt is generally suitable for a wide range of plants, including flowers, vegetables, and shrubs.

  • However, it’s essential to be mindful of the specific needs of certain plants and to avoid overuse, as excessive magnesium can negatively affect some plants.

Q6: Is Epsom salt a substitute for other fertilizers?

Ans: Epsom salt primarily provides magnesium and sulfur, but it lacks other essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

  • It is best used as a supplement alongside a balanced fertilizer to ensure plants receive a full spectrum of nutrients.

Q7: Can Epsom salt be used to remedy yellow leaves in plants?

Ans: Yes, yellowing leaves can be a sign of magnesium deficiency.

  • Applying Epsom salt can help alleviate this issue by providing the plant with the necessary magnesium for chlorophyll production.

Q8: How often should I use Epsom salt on my plants?

Ans: It is generally recommended to use Epsom salt sparingly and as needed.

  • Overuse can lead to an excess of magnesium in the soil, which may negatively impact plant health.

Q9: Can Epsom salt be used in potted plants?

Ans: Yes, Epsom salt can be used in potted plants.

  • However, it is crucial to adjust the application rate based on the size of the pot and the plant’s specific needs to avoid over-fertilizing.

Must read this article

Epsom Salt for plants: Benefits & Uses

Happy Gardening!