Should you use Epsom salts or vinegar in the garden? (2024)

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Should you use Epsom salts or vinegar in the garden? (1)

Hi, guys!

At least once a week, someone asks me about a “miraculous” DIY gardening remedy or fertilizer they saw on Instagram or TikTok. Although some might be worth a shot, many just make me cringe.

First things first: Just because …

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Should you use Epsom salts or vinegar in the garden? (2024)

FAQs

Can you mix vinegar and Epsom salt together? ›

What is the mixture of vinegar and Epsom salt for weed killer? To create the solution, you should mix equal parts of Epsom salt and white vinegar in a spray bottle [such as this one from Amazon]. You can then spray on the areas where you want to kill weeds.

Does vinegar, Epsom salt, and Dawn really kill weeds? ›

To eradicate weeds effectively, the roots need to be killed, not just the top growth, which synthetic weed killers do successfully. The bottom line is that mixing vinegar with Epsom salts or table salt and liquid dish soap does not make a safe, effective weed killer.

Can I just sprinkle Epsom salt in my garden? ›

Verdict: Unless you have a magnesium deficiency in your garden, there is no need to add Epsom salts. Doing so could even be harmful to soil, plants and water.

Can too much Epsom salt hurt plants? ›

It is, indeed, natural and organic but will cause severe irritation if it gets in your eyes. And too much can kill your plants. Epsom salts can dehydrate soil, as you might imagine is true of anything with the word “salt” in its name.

Which kills weeds better, table salt or Epsom salt? ›

Both will work and a build-up of both in your garden soil is bad. Too much of any salt can lead to wilting and dead plants, and while using Epsom salts avoids table salt's potential for sodium toxicity, excess magnesium from Epsom salts can interfere with phosphorus absorption in plants (that's bad).

Do tomatoes like Epsom salt? ›

Fact! Epsom salts are a great way of adding magnesium directly to your tomatoes and to the soil. Invest in a soil test kit so that you can ensure your tomatoes are getting the right amount of nutrients throughout the growing season.

What animals are repelled by Epsom salt? ›

Epsom salt

Sprinkle Epsom salts onto your trash can lid or around the areas that pests like to burrow into or dig around. Epsom salts will deter most any pests, including raccoons, mice, and squirrels among others.”

What vegetables like Epsom salt? ›

Epsom salt can be especially beneficial to vegetable gardens with tomatoes and peppers.

Can I pour straight vinegar on weeds? ›

Vinegar could be a popular choice for organic gardeners and homeowners, but it is not a natural and safe option to kill weeds. We can have much better and natural alternatives to vinegar. There are a few weed killers that are both organic and chemical free.

Does white vinegar kill weeds permanently? ›

A homemade vinegar solution can effectively kill younger weeds, but is not a permanent solution for tougher weeds, unless you are diligent about reapplying and soaking the roots.

Is vinegar as good as Roundup? ›

That's a little bit disappointing, but it's not at all surprising [10:13] because again, Roundup is a systemic. It's going to kill the entire weed. It's absorbed in through the leaves, goes to the stems and the roots, and kills the whole thing. Vinegar, all it's doing is just killing the leaves and that's it.

Are coffee grounds good for the garden? ›

Coffee grounds have a high nitrogen content, along with a few other nutrients plants can use. In compost, they help create organic matter that improves the ability of soil to hold water. It's best to add coffee grounds, not whole beans, to compost.

What does baking soda do for plants? ›

Baking soda's supposed anti-fungal properties have been spread around for many years as a natural home remedy to treat fungal infections, including black spot, powdery mildew, and a multitude of other fungi. When applied to plant leaves and stems, baking soda does slow or stop the growth of fungi.

Do tomatoes like coffee grounds? ›

Coffee grounds are packed with nutrients that tomato plants love, like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. They help improve soil structure and promote microbial activity, which can lead to healthier, more robust tomato plants. Plus, they may even help deter certain pests.

Is it safe to mix Epsom salts and white vinegar to soak feet? ›

You can get relief from tired aching feet by following this easy remedy. Prepare by adding one cup each of Epsom salt, sea salt and vinegar in a large tub. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together. Now add enough warm water in the solution so that your feet get soaked in it properly.

What does soaking feet in vinegar do? ›

Benefits of soaking your feet in vinegar. Vinegar can protect against bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microbes. Soaking the feet in a 1-part vinegar, 2-part water solution may help manage odor and infections. Vinegar can have a variety of uses, such as in cooking, cleaning, or alternative medicine.

What does adding salt to white vinegar do? ›

Yes, vinegar and salt can be used together to remove stains, brighten colors and deodorize the wash load.

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