Roses are a gardener’s delight, prized for their large fragrant blooms. And it seems there’s a natural method to enhance these blooms using an item likely found in your bathroom.
Deb, a seasoned gardener with over two decades of experience and the founder of Woodbridge Greenhouses has claimed that Epsom salt can be used on roses to help them flourish and produce larger flowers.
She said: “I have used many home remedies for roses. Banana peels, egg shells, coffee grounds and soapy water all can benefit your roses and banish pests and diseases. So began a brief exploration into Epsom salts.
“If used as directed, Epsom salt is said to make plants stronger, produce lusher foliage, bigger blooms and encourage roses to send out new canes (branches) low on the bush.”
So, what are the benefits of feeding roses with Epsom salt? Epsom salts, commonly used as a bath soak to soothe skin or treat sore feet, also serve as a natural fertiliser for roses due to their magnesium content, which promotes plant growth.
Deb explained: “Epsom salts are naturally occurring minerals known as magnesium sulfate which were first found in Epsom, France. Cartons of Epsom salt are often located in drug stores and groceries in the same areas as laxatives or sore muscle potions (a clue to some of their other uses).”
Magnesium aids flowers in nutrient absorption, promoting growth and potentially leading to more abundant blooms. This could result in more vibrant roses in the next flowering season.
If your rose leaves have turned a worrying shade of yellow, it could be a sign they’re crying out for magnesium, with gardeners swearing by Epsom salt to pep up their poorly florals.
Epsom salt is more than just plant pick-me-ups as they’ve got the added bonus of banishing slugs from your blooms without wreaking havoc on the surrounding garden like regular salt would.
Getting the mix right is as easy as stirring one tablespoon of Epsom salt into the soil around two inches from your rose bush’s base.
Once you’ve given your roses this nutrient boost, water them deeply so the Epsom salt gets to work in the dirt where it counts.
Or, consider dissolving two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and drench the roots but steer clear of the leaves as wet foliage can become fungus-central at this time of year.
Treat your rose bushes to an Epsom salt feast just twice annually to sidestep any chance of disrupting your soil’s nutrients due to a magnesium overdose.
Gardening guru Deb said: “The amounts of Epsom salt are intended for average to large-sized plants. If your Roses are minis or small bushes, use just one-fourth to one-third of the measurements. If you are unsure, it is recommended to test your soil before amending it.”
Post-Epsom salt application, your roses won’t just survive expect a display of bigger, better blooms that’ll be the envy of your neighbours.
