Roses are prizes amongst gardeners due to their large fragrant flowers, and it turns out there is one natural way to get healthier blooms using one item likely in your bathroom.
Deb, a gardener with over 20 years of experience and founder of Woodbridge Greenhouses has shared that using Epsom salts on roses can help them thrive to produce bigger 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 salts are said to make plants stronger, produce lusher foliage, bigger blooms and encourage roses to send out new canes (branches) low on the bush.”
What are the benefits of feeding Epsom salts to roses?
Epsom salts are often used as a bath soak to relieve skin or to treat sore feet but it is also a natural fertiliser for roses as it contains magnesium which boosts plant growth.
Deb said: “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 helps flowers take in nutrients so they grow more, which can help produce more abundant blooms so you can get more vibrant roses in their next flowering season.
If your rose leaves have been yellowing it is likely they have a magnesium deficiency, so feeding them Epsom salts can restore your rose bushes so you have a much healthier plant.
Epsom salts can also keep slugs away from your garden as the salt component draws moisture out of their bodies, which will quickly cause them to die, but is not as harsh as regular salt so will not hurt plant soil.
How to make a natural fertiliser out of Epsom salts
All you need to do is mix one tablespoon of Epsom salts about two inches from the base of your rose bush.
Make sure to water the plants deeply after fertilising them so the Epsom salts can mix into the soil.
Alternatively, you can mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts into a gallon of water and pour on the roots, but make sure to be careful not to wet the foliage as moist leaves as it this time of year can attract fungal diseases.
It is recommended to only feed rose brushes Epsom salts twice a year and no more as too much magnesium will cause a nutrient imbalance in the soil.
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.”
After using Epsom salts on your roses you are guaranteed to have bigger and lusher flowers, plus you can use any leftover to have a luxurious bath.
Deb said: “Once you have treated your roses to an Epsom salt treatment, fill a washtub with hot water and a handful of Epsom salts. It’s time to treat your tootsies.”
Epsom salts can be bought at most supermarket stores or pharmacies but at Tesco, they cost £3.50 for one kilogram.
