How to Reverse Salt Damage in Soil

Too much salt can inhibit a plant's ability to uptake water. A plant can dry up and die or become weaker and more susceptible to diseases unless the salts are flushed out of the soil. The source of the salt in soil varies, but it probably accumulated from fertilizers, salt spray from the ocean or de-icing salts. Fortunately, all that's needed to reverse the salt damage is a garden hose or sink.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose or sink

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Apply 2 to 3 inches of water to the soil. Water slowly so the water seeps into the soil rather than running off. The salts will be pushed deeper into the soil after watering.

   • 2

     Water potted plants with 1 gallon or more of water to flush out the salt build-up in the potting soil. The containers must have drainage holes for this to work.

   • 3

     Repeat the flushing every week until the plants recover from the salt injury.