Nothing beats the sight of big plump strawberries hanging from the vine, and it turns out there is a simple way to grow juicier berries. If you have noticed the leaves on your strawberry plant turning yellow or curling up then it is likely a sign the soil is lacking in magnesium.
Magnesium is an important nutrient for strawberries because it helps the plant produce energy it needs for healthy growth and fruit production. Without enough magnesium, strawberries will end up small, shriveled and slow to grow.
However Fayah, a expert from Loyal Fertilizer, has shared a very simple yet effective way to give your strawberry patch a magnesium boost is with Epsom salt.
Fayah said: “The use of Epsom salt has gained significant attention as a potential game-changer for boosting strawberry yields and enhancing plant health.”
She added: “Epsom salt is effective in increasing both the size and yield of fruits for plants deficient in magnesium.”
It may seem strange so suggest feeding your crops salt but Epsom salt does not contain any sodium, the competent that is harmful to plants, and instead is made up of magnesium sulfate.
Epsom salt feeds strawberries the magnesium it needs to regulates the plants metabolism to you will get larget and juicier strawberries that are more likely to have a sweeter flavour.
It also helps the plant roots grow stronger to help them absorb more water, which is important now that the weather is getting warmer and there is more chance of drought.
How to feed strawberries with Epsom salt
In May strawberries are just starting to set fruit so now is the a great time to feed them Epsom salt. Fayah said: “The most beneficial time to apply Epsom salt is during the flowering and fruit setting stages as this is when the uptake of magnesium is most crucial.”
All you need to do is pour one tablespoon of Epsom salt into a one gallon watering can before you water your strawberries.
Water your strawberries like normal, and make sure to coat both the top and underside of the leaves to make sure the plant absorbs all the nutrients.
Feed your strawberries this mixture once every four to six weeks and you will have a bigger and more bountiful harvest once summer arrives.
Only apply Epsom once a month are do not want to overloading the soil with too much magnesium. It should also be noted that Epsom salt cannot replace your normal fertiliser and should only be used as a supplement to help strawberries grow stronger and healthier.
