How Much Epsom Salt to Put in Soil for Tomatoes

Epsom salts contain magnesium and sulfur, two elements essential for plant growth. Soil is seldom deficient in sulfur, but it loses magnesium through erosion and pH imbalance. Magnesium helps tomato plants (Lycopericon esculentum) develop dark-green leaves, and you'll probably get more and larger tomatoes with regular use. When the soil is deficient in magnesium, you may see curling leaves and yellowing between the veins. These symptoms appear late in the season when it's too late to take corrective action.

Things You'll Need

• Epsom salts

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts into the soil at the bottom of the planting hole when setting out tomato transplants.

   • 2

     Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts per foot of tomato plant height over the soil every two weeks. Work the salts into the surface of the soil, taking care not to damage the roots of the plant.

   • 3

     Water deeply to saturate the root zone. Apply the water slowly so that it sinks into the soil rather than running off.