How to Water Plants With Epsom Salts (8 Steps)

1. Read the Epsom salt label to ensure it is pure Epsom salt. The ingredients should indicate whether or not additional materials were mixed with the Epsom salt. Some Epsom salts come with sea salt or other products mixed in, and these compounds can actually damage your garden.
2. Determine the amount of Epsom salt needed based on how much water you typically use per day. You'll need to mix the salt into your entire supply of water all at once, so keep track of how many full watering cans you use in order to get a good estimate for your required amount of water. According to the Epsom Salt Council, most common houseplants require 2 tbsp. of salt for each gallon of liquid used during normal watering. For example, if your houseplants typically soak up 2 gallons of water per day, you'll need to add 4 tbsp. of Epsom salt to your normal watering regimen.
3. Pour your daily amount of gardening water into a large bucket for mixing. Use hot water because cold water does not dissolve Epsom salt as easily.
4. Mix the required amount of Epsom salt into the bucket of hot water. The solution is thoroughly mixed when all visible grains of salt have disappeared, completely dissolving into the water. The water does not need to be boiling hot, but should be above room temperature. Typically, using hot water directly from a standard kitchen hot-water tap will work well.
5. Wait for the water to cool to room temperature since most plants thrive best on cool water.
6. Stir the solution again; some of the dissolved salt will have settled on the bottom and you need to redistribute it throughout the mixture.
7. Fill a watering can with the Epsom salt solution and water your plants with your usual amount of water. Refill the can as needed until you have watered all your plants with the Epsom salt solution.
8. Repeat daily for the best results. Epsom salt cannot be overused, according to the Epson Salt Industry Council, as cited by the Orange County Register, so water with it regularly to ensure healthy, robust plants.