Not Just a Foot Soak

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 :) .

Two Tid-Bits

Ah, and the schoolwork goes on. One more week though and I’ll be back!! I haven’t been up to much on my free time except hitting the books, but here are 2 little things that I’ve done in the last week that are kinda blog-worthy :)

1) Put dried milk on my tomato seedlings to prevent blossom end rot.

Ok, well, I have no idea if this is really going to work, but blossom end rot, which looks like this:

is a total bummer, and last summer, many of my tomato plants got it. Apparently, it is due to a calcium deficiency and somewhere along they way I read that adding a little dried milk to the tomato soil will help prevent the problem. Worth a try, right?

For now it’s just sprinkled on top and will hopefully dissolve with each watering, but when they get transferred to the big leagues (aka the raised bed), I’ll be sure to mix up some powder with the soil for good measure. Here’s to hoping it works! I’ll keep you updated!

2) Mint. Bourbon.

Oh yes, you read that right. I got the recipe here and because I had everything to make it on hand, I just had to try it. It’s simply mint sprigs and bourbon cohabitating in a seal-able swing-top bottle for 2 weeks. Ours will be ready May 12. I’m already excited.

I can’t wait to get back in the swing of things, I miss this!

  • Maria @ FH

    Hi there! I'm a grad student, wife, and doting owner of the cutest dog you've ever seen. I love organizing, gardening, and taking on projects I only later find out I'm wildly too impatient for. Read along as I try to accept it's about the journey, not the destination, especially when it comes to DIY. Welcome!

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