For a period of time when I was a kid, epsom salts were a cure all: clogged noses, sore feet, you name it, epsom salt will fix it! Well, now I’m adding one more use for the magnesium sulfate crystals: garden spray. Really. Probably 4 years ago I read this little tip in a Farmer’s Almanac, I think. It seemed simple enough, so why not try it? Well, let me tell you, I won’t go without it now! That year my habaneros plants were more orange than green from all the peppers. Apparently, the salts deliver some much-needed micro-nutrients and boost flower and fruit production. Whether it’s science or alchemy, my peppers love it so I’m hooked. And, it’s dead simple. Check it:

1) Acquire spray bottle and epsom salt (super cheap, that box was bout $1 at the grocery store):

2) Add 1 tbs. to about 16 oz of water. Shake. (After a quick Google search, I found that water/salt ratio recommendations vary, but this combination works for me):

3) Spray on pepper plants (mostly on the leaves and a little in the soil).

4)Wait impatiently and enjoy your bounty!

I’ve also read that the spray can also boost tomatoes and eggplant, but I haven’t ventured there yet. Let me know if you get the courage to .