As the air grows cooler, the days become shorter and the leaves begin to turn, many gardeners may be tempted to clear out their plants and pack away their tools until spring. However, gardening season isn’t over yet! In fact, fall gardening offers many benefits to crops including less weeds, fewer pests, plentiful rain and warm soil from the hot summer months. Furthermore, many quickly maturing, frost-tolerant vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and kale thrive in the cooler months. 

For those looking to make the most of the last few weeks of the growing season, Epsom salt can help encourage higher yields and more vibrant blooms. That’s right, this safe, inexpensive and easy-to-find household product may be the key to a bountiful autumn harvest! 

Why Epsom Salt? 

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring compound comprised of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium creates an environment conducive to plant growth by helping seeds germinate, increasing chlorophyll production and improving phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. Sulfur is also a key element in plant growth, helping produce vitamins. Although magnesium and sulfur both occur naturally in soil, they can be depleted by various conditions including heavy agricultural use. Incorporating Epsom salt into your gardening routine can help replenish these essential nutrients.  

How to Use 

• Planting: When prepping your soil for planting this fall, simply sprinkle one cup of Epsom salt over every 100 square feet of soil and mix thoroughly.  

• Fertilizing: To promote healthy growth and enhance nutrient uptake, create a foliar spray by diluting Epsom salt with water and apply to plant foliage every two weeks. 

• Weeding: Create a natural, non-toxic herbicide by mixing two cups of Epsom salt with one gallon of white wine vinegar and a quarter cup of dish soap. This weed-killing solution works to dehydrate plants and prevent them from absorbing moisture and nutrients.  

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer! This fall, incorporate Epsom salt into your plant care routine for a healthy, thriving harvest.