Why I Don't Use EPSOM SALTS in the Garden!

[@karendecoux4011]

4 years ago, as a beginning gardener, I bought a huge container of Epson salt for blossom end rote. I was part of a community garden and a wise more experienced gardener explained that I needed to water my tomatoes more consistently. Since then I use my Epson salts to Relax in bath after a great day of gardening. Bought more rain barrels so I can collect more rain in order to water consistently. Love how you explain things. 🙂

[@donlyons5279]

I grow the biggest peppers one that has ever seen when I use epsom salt, so whatever you say will not change my mind about using. Wish I had pictures from last year’s harvest. You won’t believe the size

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

I've found that the most effective prevention for blossom end rot here in drought-plagued California is a heavy layer of mulch that seals in any water my tomatoes are given. This stops the cycle of dry/wet/dry in the soil and has the benefit of reducing total water usage at the same time. I'm using straw and pine shavings (horse bedding) but any mulch small enough to create a close cover works. The soil stays cool and the soil life loves it!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes yes yes!

[@magpie1492]

I grow tomatoes in large pots. I add a layer of horse bedding chopped straw into the pot to act as a water absorbing layer and then top off the compost with a 2in layer to hold the moisture. I don't get blossom end rot.

[@marybk882]

This is the method I use in zone 4b in Minnesota too.

[@deborahruth5072]

Yes, I have found this to be effective as well.

[@saddammall3337]

​​@@NextLevelGardeningf epson salt helps to nuitralise your PH...which helps your plant/tomatoes to take up those micro nutrients/calcium...it may help with some problems/blossom end rot?...

[@aquaseahorselove3939]

I put my pepper plants in an epsom bath, light a candle and play soft music for them. It helps with stress.

[@CC-lv1ox]

😂

[@michaelburns9172]

Lmao

[@MyGreenNest]

😂😂😂

[@katsea100]

Need to read

[@lindagonzalez3037]

This is great!! So funny!

[@debbiep7419]

Thank you for being your usual level headed self. I appreciate when you research the claims and clearly present the facts as well as the myths.

[@lauriesmith7517]

I'm so glad you are trying to dispel these myths. It's amazing how many people actually believe in them! Don't believe everything you see on the internet, folks!

[@jackzampella5758]

As always on point, Brian. I used Epsom Salt once as a spray on my cucumbers for powdery mildew. I've found baking soda spray much more effective for this. Love these short, to the point, videos. Thanks again.

[@michellemorrison3938]

What’s the recipe you use for this baking soda spray? How much? How often? Thanks!

[@lovinlifeinNC]

@@michellemorrison3938 The recipe from my Jerry Baker "Backyard Problem Solver" book says: 4T Baking soda, 2T Murphy's Oil Soap, 1 gal water, combine, put in spray bottle and mist the plant. You can even use it before mildew starts, as a preventative. I've used it on my peas (as a preventative) which get powdery mildew EVERY year and it worked great!

[@blackbones15]

I received my companion planting book just 2 days ago. And I'm loving it!! The pictures, wording, allll of it. I plan to implement it this next season. Thank you!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you!

[@blackbones15]

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to the book, and to all your fans! 😀

[@julieweir5777]

I use Epsom salts on my lemon tree along with blood and bone, one teaspoon in a litre of water once a month, I’ve never had more lemons than since I tried this.

[@deewinston5651]

Thanks Brian. When I fist started growing tomatoes in five gallon buckets, I was told to put a Tablespoon in the hole when first planting, so I’m not sure if I should continue. The intense heat has really hurt my tomato harvest. Praying the heat and drought will end.

[@sylviemercier4406]

Good morning Brian …this is a great video that make a lots of sense and will stop many arguments….I love your comment about “ hey is just gardening” keep on going!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thanks!

[@vickihalverson6328]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I'm having the best garden ever in my 40 years of gardening here in Kansas. I have been using all the products you recommend and the different foliar sprays. I only had 2 cabbage worms this year, no squash vine borers and no squash bugs, but have had a lot of pollinators and probably other good bugs that I don't see. I love your book and your videos. Thank you again.

[@johnl8738]

You laid it all out, clearly and easy for everyone to understand. You got to follow the science. Thanks for your input, you changed my mind.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Awesome!

[@darlenecameron622]

Sounds like way too much name calling regarding MG! I ❣️your perspective! “It’s gardening, people” I laughed until I had tears in my eyes.

[@NextLevelGardening]

🤣🤣

[@kat6084]

I use Epson salt in my bath after gardening because it great for aches & pains. that's it!

[@johnlynn6291]

Thank you for addressing this subject. I have been dismayed for decades about all the people who are so adamant about using Epsom salts in the garden

[@suegendron2260]

I am SO saving this link and blasting it our every time someone in my FB garden groups suggest Epsom Salts. THANK YOU!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Lol. You're welcome!

[@BethLarsenSedona]

Thanks for your thoughtful coverage and research of the topic of Epsom salts in the garden. I think we’d all like to find a miraculous magic potion that will solve all of our garden woes. I haven’t tried it yet, but like probably everybody was curious about the buzz surrounding it. Now I think I won’t be going down that path. Thanks for saving me the time!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome 😊

[@BattleAx342]

Epson salt is a great for plants with a Magnesium deficiency. I use it all the time when putting my plants into grown. Great stuff...

[@DP-ez1kt]

Miracle Grow is just chemicals. Good for flowers and plants, but not for food. I followed your instructions for tomato and pepper plants, with great results!

[@pjsviking]

......and not good for the soil which is food for all growing things :O) The chemicals just kill the soil.

[@johnjohnson3602]

Epson salt works great in the bathtub with Hot water for sore muscles but that's about it. Happy Gardening.

[@susanhenley8240]

Thank you for sharing your gardening wisdom with us. Appreciate the way you explain things.

[@cindyfulk8853]

Thank you, Brian, for busting that myth. Soooo many garden myths out there. We want to keep gardening as simple as possible.

[@michaelsherron5750]

How about this one, I haven't tried it yet but maybe you have: baking the soil in the oven to kill all potrential bug eggs, before using the soil indoors. Is that necessary?

[@PaullaWells]

Very good discussion! I can always count on you for learning something new. Thanks, Brian!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you Paulla

[@settingFreedomFires]

I really appreciate your good research! Thanks for doing all the digging and sharing it with us.

[@AmzBackyardOrchardandVineyard]

...and another yet thank you for finally explaining the science behind the chemistry of Epsom salts! My pregnant wife has a bag of this stuff. she relaxes while soaking in the bath as i rub her tired feet, and it keeps her happy. I'm not going to take any salt from her. id rather have a happy wife and regularly watered garden than to try to experiment with something that will probably be a waste of my time. cheers from Arizona growing zone 9b 🍷🍷

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Thank you! I have been saying this for years and people argue with me all the time!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Me too! Lol

[@janellekean9055]

Thanks Brian! I always learn so much from your videos! You're the BEST!! ❤️

[@hollyreilly4818]

I have used Epsom salt. Never saw any benefit. We are finally getting rain. But now everything is too wet. Yes, we have blossom end rot. It's so disappointing 😞. But, we have a bumper crop of cukes and I love pickles. Good luck with those ground squirrels.

[@UrbanChickenMomma]

Don’t you just love the haters, not! I love your channel and am looking forward to watching you create all your new spaces at your new home! More Chicken’s in your vids would be a bonus too, lol. I’m sticking to an Epsom salt soak in the bath, not my garden.

[@tgardenchicken1780]

Thank you for addressing this, one of my pet peeves 'using epsom salts' as a 'wonder product'.

[@elizabethgreen5991]

Brian, I'm so sad to hear unkind things said to you. You work hard to bring so much knowledge and and help to us! Don't let it get you down! You have SO many who love you!! 😀❤

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Wait.....you're so "glad" or did you mean "sad"?

[@elizabethgreen5991]

Oops!!! I meant SAD!!

[@elizabethgreen5991]

Oops... I meant SAD!

[@utguy381]

@@elizabethgreen5991 you can edit your comment you know

[@elizabethgreen5991]

Thank Frank! I just saw how to do that!

[@compromise01]

Thanks for the clarification. I found your advice so helpful. Plus I had to laugh about your sense of humor.

[@zarinafox7978]

Been following your tips and have not been disappointed. Never have used epsom salt.

[@bobd3707]

I do appreciate the video. Everyone is looking for a quick fix, yes, me included. I have dealt with palm and plants in Florida foe 27 years. I see people try EVERYTHING. The first thing I do is “test the soil” when you get the results, which is easy these days, your solution should be an easy one.. but testing the soil seems to be out of everyone’s wheelhouse. Test your soil…. Then come back to you tube and your solution will be there.. stop throwing the kitchen sink at everything.. that will result in dead plants and trees..

[@AjArpopP52]

I agree with you 100%. I never use Epsom salt. Right now my Roma’s are getting some BER. I’m headed out to buy some pelleted lime. Any wisdom from your experiences? I know people tell you this all the time but your videos have really helped me. Thank you.

[@plantlvr]

I've used it occasionally but never saw much improvement. Now using Neptune's Harvest for the first time this year I definitely saw a huge improvement! Thanks Brian!

[@angelaespinet4035]

Well done, as usual you explained it in a way that we can all understand! Loved the comment on how smart Epsom Salts are to be able to distinguish between plants and weeds, very funny!

[@phoenixr6811]

Wow, you got called every name out book for the video on miracle grow😮 Well I for one was vey happy about information you gave and it explains why when I go to big chains stores why they have abundant supply of it and the nursery places do not🤭

[@pjsviking]

It's a great way to spend alot of your life, but, you're right Brian, it is just gardening! :O) Science and empirical evidence say it all. Good to see you have such a great sense of humour around the people who think they've got all and only answers to just about anything you can name. Keep it all coming!

[@marygrott8095]

I did not know any of this. Thanks for the information, Brian. Very much appreciated!

[@dmick9168]

I do add around a tablespoon 2 times per season to my potted peppers. Each year I get a great harvest from them. I have definitely cut back in place of other fertilizers this year.

[@tammybyrd1054]

"It's gardening people!" lol best line yet! Thanks for the info! :) I'll just call ya' awesome and say thanks for doing all you do for us! :)

[@johnyewdall398]

I am sure blossom end rot is down to the variety. A local primary school raised and sold tomato plants to raise funds. All their own plants and the plants they sold had blossom end rot on the first fruits but quickly grew out of it, producing good fruit later. Out of the 50 tomato plants i have growing here, the two plants that had blossom end rot were the plants I bought from the school.

[@darlenethompson6738]

I added Epsom salts to my garden. It didn’t have any visible signs good or bad. I’ll save it for sore muscles in the bath.

[@karenwhitley7211]

Hahahaha the names....it's amazing what people gripe about. Keep up the great work Brian.

[@ruthcalsada1440]

Recent years I’ve discovered that not all types of tomato plants have huge problems with blossom end rot. I grow 4-7 different types of tomatoes and the only kind I had a BER problem were the Roma types. 🤷‍♀️

[@lesliejacobs3002]

Variety surely matters..and keeping track in a journal.

[@ronbow1947]

Same here. Roma.

[@bzebeegyal1138]

Great informational video and I am certainly forwarding to my gardening friends! Thank you!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome

[@prosperitycatfishman508]

I grew up in the garden with my dad and my grandparents. I have since learned that a lot of techniques I have used for decades are just not necessary. My problem that I continue to have is with yellow summer squash. They will produce for a couple of weeks a minimal amount before production stops, while my peppers, tomatoes, okra, etc just grow beyond belief.

[@nikhilranka9660]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject 🙏.

[@KKing55]

Ebsom Salt is Great for soaking your feet , increasing your Magnesium in your body, great for a facial scrub, releaves ache muscels. People are more deficient in Magnesium than any other vitamin. Needed for over 150 chemical reations.

[@lovinlifeinNC]

So our grandmothers were right!

[@cyhomer]

Agree wholeheartedly! Get ready for the name-calling! 😂😂😂

[@PANCHOSR]

It works been using it for decades. It works

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

I have only ever used Epsom salts for gardening once, and for a very specific purpose. To directly apply to slugs to kill them. I had a large infestation of slugs last year, and shaking Epsom salts on them did work, without causing damage to my plants or contaminating the soil. However, it didn't have any benefits to my plants on top of that, and I found that spraying the slugs with soap water works just as well, and is much cheaper. Other than that, I can't really think of any reason I'd want to use Epsom salts in the garden.

[@robertsteffens6188]

I use ES in small amounts twice during the growing season. It is always suspended in water at the rate of 1 Tbls. per galon. I grow in raised beds and containers, so the minor trace element inputs are for Mg and S.

[@214carlisle]

funny this shows when I was considering whether to use it again, as I have two greenhouses and one I used Epsom salt and the other I didn't and production last year was the same. I don't remember if I had any prior problems. tks

[@BoB-rf2dv]

I use epsom salt EVERYDAY and will NOT be stopping any time soon! With a couple drops of lemongrass essential oil in my bath waterin the morning, it revitalizes and energizes me for the day! With a couple drops of lavender oil in my evening bath water and I sleep like a baby! Epsom salts in the garden? How dare you waste such a wonderful resource??? What a shame!

[@davidgeorge4784]

I’ve never used Epsom salts. I just amend my soil before planting.

[@mandemoto]

I had a big problem with grubs two years ago. Last year, when I was refreshing my containers (they're fairly large tubs, idk the gallon size... Maybe like 18 gal?) I tossed a handful of Epsom salt into a few of them with the crab and lobster and kelp mixes. I'd seen mixed info regarding Epsom salt, and decided "What the heck? YOLO!" This year, when I turned the soil out of the container to refresh it, I found not a single grub. Could be coincidence, idk. I'm gonna do it again this season, and we'll see how everything grows, and whether or not there are grubs next year.

[@justinanovak8040]

This has kept popping up and it didn’t make sense to me, thank you for sharing the science.

[@johnjohnson3602]

Making Hot pepper jelly and canning Beets today can't wait till this fall and winter to have it all to eat.

[@birvie]

Thanks, Brian. Love your channel. Keep up the good work. Sending you my, now, useless bag of epsom salt😂. I guess I will have the best looking feet in my neighborhood for the next 10 years!

[@kasardevi8]

I was gardening in India and had always good results with epsom salt ,to keep my plants healthy and GREEN

[@viper29ca]

I do use epsom salts, however not in my soil garden, but in my hydroponic gardens. Very small amount is added to the water (along with the other nutrients you are supposed to add) In a 27 gallon box, there is only 32 grams of epsom salt (about an ounce), while there is 64 grams each of the other 2 solutions added to the water. Once is Calcium, and the other one escapes my mind what it is called.

[@MarioAlzaga]

It's gardening. I love that.

[@loganthesaint]

It must be a true honor to be accused of being both a democrat and republican over miracle grow. I agree... you shouldn’t use miracle grow. I try to use a mixture of compost and top soil. I just get big leaves 😂

[@kriskelley3562]

I use calcium instead of Epsom salt in my garden

[@rebelderf]

yeah I get yellow tomato leaves. Question: is zucchini subject to blossom end rot? My yellow zucchini has been losing about 25% of fruit rotting on the vine at the blossom end. Btw my soil is mostly sand. It was a cornfield back in the Forties, laid fallow for forty years growing nothing but weeds and grass until I took it over. I've turned oak, beech and some maple leaves in every year with some lime and some years I burned the leaves before turning in. I've turned in some well rotted horse manure and still got grass. Some of that grass came from straw from mulching strawberries. Constant battle with crab grass as well.

[@paulg.c.8151]

Isn't science just a series of of observations & experiments? I've learned a lot from your videos & I'm having a very productive crop of German Johnson Tomatoes using some of your tips. I look forward to your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@darcypotterpotter6214]

never used it never will the fact is the soil has lots of mag and sulfer here in northern Alberta and i was taught Water DEEP never let your soil dry back and iv never had blosum end rot or any other issue i use oyster shell flour as a amendment for calcium

[@evb1601]

Thank you. You saved me from making a big mistake.

[@sandieweatherup]

How do you tell the difference between Magnesium deficiency and Chlorosis? I've used chelated iron on my potted gardenia plants I've rooted from cuttings. They developed what I assumed was chlorosis from the potting soil not being acidic enough. Not sure I'm doing the correct thing.

[@charlie5204]

I'm using epsom salts once together with rock flour and horn shavings (1:1:1) when planting e.g. tomatoes. This due to the soil does not contain enough nutrients I need. That's it. It seems to do well as later in the season the fertilizer I'm using includes more phosphate for flowering and production. But I'm still experimenting, as just started with gardening 2 years ago, with the soil and fertilizer, looking for the best in my area to do. Means, I need to improve the soil to have a better harvest. So I'm looking for tips and tricks and try it when I think it fits for me.

[@JamalHossain]

I don't use Epsom salt but I do use sea salt. I place one table spoon sea salt in one gallon of water and water the plants once a week as a fertilizer and I have had great results in the garden. There's many as 75 trace minerals and Trace elements in sea salt. Trace minerals including phosphorus, bromine, boron, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and silicon etc.

[@djeoutdoors]

Good info. Never used epson salts for plants. Thank you 😊👍

[@GreatWhiteWeasel]

I’ve been telling this to people for years, it all just comes down to chemistry… know your chemistry, and you won’t make these mistakes or fall for misinformation.

[@wilmasgarden3098]

I agree with everything you said 100%.

[@frankbarnwell____]

So, that just leaves water, soil, and sun... and time to grow certain plants. Ty!

[@elizabethbosch6352]

When you say regular watering, what to you mean? I live in Utah and have a drip irrigation system in my garden beds. I run it once a day for 18 minutes. Is this enough for the tomatoes? Or it would be better to run the water less time but twice a day?

[@alfredosantos6669]

THANKS FOR YOUR FEED BACK. I CHOOSE E SALT OVER THE MANURE IAM LAZY. EASY TO USE AND COST EFFECTIVE.

[@luigiluigi2098]

Epsom Salts provide magnesium and sulfur to the soil for acid loving plants that are being watered hard water. Great for Azalea, in that position you could use sequestered iron or sulfur chips instead. This is a fact. I agree with the rest. Then again its cheap and inert and not dangerous.

[@disguysn]

What effect do epsom salts have on the things living in the ground? That's a consideration that often gets overlooked. You need a good ecosystem, not just nutrients for the plants.

[@NextLevelGardening]

True

[@07slowbalt]

This year i used it in low dosages once during planting and once during the first flowering on my tomatoes as per recommendation from another farmer youtuber. Compared to last year where i used Epsom salts once a month and zero fertilizer, i have so far only experienced one tomatoe with blossom end rot. Last year i had far more but theres many different variables this year. I moved my plants into a different spot in the garden and im also using neptunes harvest tomatoe and veg. I also grew my plants from seed all organically compared to last years nursery bought plants. I also used chalk sticks at the base of every plant and ground egg shells into a powder and sprinkled it in every hole during transplanting. The jury is still out for me whether its good or bad.

[@lesliejacobs3002]

Since you started your plants from seed..I would bet you also planted a different variety…that matters.. keep track of it all.

[@07slowbalt]

@@lesliejacobs3002 i expanded my garden and did add some new varieties this year. My better boys and cherries failed me last year so this year im trying beefsteaks and super sweet 100's. I like my early girls so i regrew them with much of the same success.

[@krickette5569]

I just bought a bag of Epsom Salts today, to use in my garden, because I believed all the hype. Guess I'll use it in my bath instead.

[@jimrenderer2784]

Brian, When you mention compost, does that include bagged mushroom compost?

[@joesweeney7216]

So I put my tomatoes in a bout a week and a half ago and some of the lower leaves have yellowing between the veins exactly like the leaves in your video. Before planting in added W" of well aged compost to the bed and a couple of handfuls of compost to each planting hole along with a tablespoon of tomatone fertilizer, a tablespoon of bone meal and a couple tablespoons Epsom a triple phosphate. Since I think there is already adequate compost present what do you think the problem could be and how should I correct it? The compost I used is my own made from grass clippings, chopped up fall leaves and kitchen waste, aged over a year

[@joesweeney7216]

That should say 2" of compost

[@janw491]

Epsom salts are said to be good for a warm bath for egg bound chickens 🐓

[@rosesolis1868]

I am just trying to get my lawn green, can't afford the expensive products. any advise much appreciated.

[@paulglenn6470]

My green beans!!! First picking nice full beans. Second picking nice full beans. Now 3rd picking the beans are Shriveled and the bean seed inside is very pronounced no good flesh any suggestions.

[@Bezuidenhout474]

oh wow you made good sense. I think we just believe in all sorts of things and think yah that will be good for your vegetables ang go ahead and just use it before doing reserse like I am doing. You see Magnesium blocks calcium and it is the calcium that is more important. Glad I found you. A question for you. Is board chalk ok to use for calcium?????

[@NextLevelGardening]

I'm not sure about the board chalk

[@lisaatp]

“It’s gardening, folks!” 😂 😂

[@Wineman-g5v]

Hello sir just wondering you started out buy saying you don’t use epsom salt than at the end of video you say sprints it to give a pick me up for plants.

[@JustanotherMainer]

Just in time video Brian! A few of my leaves on my green beans have a magnesium deficiency, so I now know what I need to do. But my tomato plants are another story. They are completely healthy but look like a “squishy gray” blossom end rot? I am growing them I gardening bags and watering is more of a challenge, they always test dry but then the bottoms get squishy and dark when they start to ripen. Frustrating to say the least. Any suggestions?

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes that is BER. Keep the soil moist. You can even mulch in containers

[@JustanotherMainer]

@@NextLevelGardening thank you!!!

[@fishinforfun64]

I searched and couldn't find anything about preventing VOLES with ES? Could please reference that?

[@danielha9960]

Luffa update - one plant has over a dozen on it with 7 of them longer than a foot.

[@lorellesams6283]

Since you used it in tomatoes, what are your thoughts on this? I was going to add some to container tomatoes because I had read that it makes them sweeter & less acidic. What do you think?

[@NextLevelGardening]

It won't change the flavor

[@lorellesams6283]

@@NextLevelGardening thanks, then I won't bother🙂

[@wendykraf7575]

I'm glad to know the truth about things don't listen to the haters.

[@randydeshane9991]

When I started my garden a few years back I used it extensively, now I’m not using it.

[@kburkes4245]

I don't consider Epsom salts to be a big deal either way.

[@paulsurat6054]

Wondering if you got my message about solar,sonic groundhog deterrent.Worked for my son but needed a few of them.