Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteEpsom salt can help potatoes only when they need magnesium; it is not a reliable way to increase yield on its own. Test the soil before applying it, and follow local guidance rather than using a universal garden dose. Magnesium sulfate supplies magnesium without raising soil pH, but too much can add harmful soluble salts.
Does Epsom salt make potatoes grow bigger?
Not necessarily. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, a source of magnesium—not a complete potato fertilizer or a proven yield booster for soil that already has enough magnesium. The Extension guidance cited here provides recommendations for correcting a deficiency, not evidence of a predictable yield increase from routine use.
Potatoes need an appropriate balance of nutrients and suitable soil conditions. Adding magnesium without a diagnosed need may do nothing for yield, while excessive soluble salts can interfere with roots’ uptake of water and injure plants. Oregon State University Extension cautions against excess soluble salts in its Western Oregon vegetable nutrient guide.
Test before adding magnesium
Start with a soil test interpreted by a local laboratory or Extension service. If plants show symptoms that suggest a nutrient problem, plant tissue analysis may also help confirm the cause. Symptoms alone do not establish that magnesium is deficient.
#1 Best Overall
- SHIPMENT CONTAINS: One 3-pound resealable bag of fragrance free epsom salt for relaxing baths and soaks
- RELAXING SOAK: Dissolves easily in warm water to create a soothing bath experience that helps relax muscles and reduce tension
- VERSATILE USES: Perfect for full baths, foot soaks, and gardening applications to provide magnesium to plants
- EASY APPLICATION: For a relaxing bath, generously pour into warm running water; for foot soaks, dissolve in a small basin and soak for 15-20 minutes
- PURE FORMULA: Contains pure magnesium sulfate with no added fragrances, dyes, or fillers for a natural soaking experience
The University of Alaska Fairbanks potato guide recommends soil and plant tissue sampling to confirm suspected secondary-nutrient problems. It notes that deficiencies are more likely in well-drained sandy soils, while magnesium, calcium, and sulfur are seldom required for potato production in Alaska. These are regional observations, not rules for every garden. See the Alaska potato fertilizer recommendations.
How to decide whether Epsom salt is the right amendment
- Check the soil test for magnesium. Use the result and interpretation from a laboratory familiar with your region and its test method; thresholds and fertilizer philosophies differ.
- Consider soil pH and crop history. Local guidance may identify conditions associated with deficiency. Minnesota Extension, for example, says deficiency is unlikely until soil pH falls below 5.5 in Minnesota; that regional observation is not a universal threshold. Its magnesium guidance also notes low magnesium may occur on acid sandy soils where potatoes are grown or where corn follows potatoes.
- Choose an amendment that fits both magnesium status and pH. Epsom salt supplies magnesium without raising soil pH. Dolomitic lime can supply magnesium but also raises pH, so it is not interchangeable with magnesium sulfate. Do not lime solely to supply magnesium without considering the soil’s pH and the local potato recommendation.
- Follow a local recommendation for the application method. Broadcast and banded rates differ. Do not convert an Extension rate expressed as pounds of magnesium nutrient per acre directly into an amount of retail product without the product’s magnesium concentration and an appropriate recommendation.
Oregon State’s Soil Test Interpretation Guide notes that recommendations can differ among Extension systems. Its regional soil-test categories should not be transferred to another region without checking the local laboratory’s method and interpretation.
Rank #2
- PURE EPSOM SALT: Made with pharmacy-grade magnesium sulfate to help ease aches and soreness from muscle pains
- FRAGRANCE FREE: Fragrance-free and fast dissolving, ultra-fine crystals dissolve quickly in water
- HOW TO USE: At bedtime, pour 2 cups under warm, running bath water and soak for 20 minutes
- FREE FROM WORRY: Paraben free, phthalate free, and never tested on animals
Regional rates are not home-garden doses
The following figures are regional Extension recommendations for magnesium nutrient, not pounds of Epsom salt product and not a universal spoonful or cup measure.
| Source and context | Guidance | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks, potatoes in Alaska | 50–100 lb Mg/acre broadcast or 10–20 lb Mg/acre banded when a need is identified. | Use only with a test-supported need and applicable local advice; these are magnesium nutrient rates, not product weights. |
| Oregon State University, Western Oregon vegetable crops | 10–20 lb Mg/acre in a starter fertilizer band when a preplant soil test is low in magnesium or field history suggests possible deficiency. | This is regional vegetable guidance, not a potato-specific home-garden rate. The guide’s recommendation is available in its nutrient management publication. |
These rates cannot be translated into one safe application for every garden. Soil conditions, test interpretation, placement, and product concentration matter. The cited guidance does not establish a universal home-garden dose.
Rank #3
- 100% PURE EPSOM SALT (MAGNESIUM SULFATE USP): Unscented Epsom salt made with magnesium sulfate USP for a clean, simple soak with no added fragrance.
- AT-HOME BATH & FOOT SPA: Add to warm bath water or dissolve in a foot soak to relax after long days, workouts, or time on your feet.
- QUICK-DISSOLVING MEDIUM GRAIN: Naturally translucent crystals dissolve fast in warm water for an easy, no-hassle bath routine—add your favorite scent if desired.
- RESEALABLE 19. LB BAG: Easy to store and refill—ideal for frequent bath soaks, foot tubs, and everyday home use.
- MADE IN THE USA + CRUELTY-FREE CERTIFIED: Proudly made in the USA and cruelty-free certified for a product you can feel good about using.
Applying Epsom salt if a test supports it
If a soil test or local crop adviser identifies a magnesium need and recommends magnesium sulfate, use a fertilizer-grade magnesium sulfate product according to the recommendation and label. Search for the product category “magnesium sulfate fertilizer,” but do not assume that buying or applying a product will increase yield.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERED BY MAGNESIUM: Magnesium Sulfate helps ease aches & soreness from muscle pains
- ARNICA & MENTHOL: a unique blend of plant-based ingredients to support whole body wellness
- EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL: to help relax body & mind
- RELAXING TREATMENT: Soak in a bath for 20 minutes to experience long-lasting stress relief
- FREE FROM WORRY: Paraben free, phthalate free, cruelty-free and never tested on animals
Rank #4
- POWERED BY MAGNESIUM: Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) helps ease aches & pains, relaxes the body & helps reduce stress
- NATURAL ESSENTIAL OIL: The relaxing aroma helps calm the mind
- EUCALYPTUS & SPEARMINT SCENTED: Eucalyptus & spearmint work to actively relax your mood
- RELAXING TREATMENT: Soak in a bath for 20 minutes to experience long-lasting stress relief
- SELF-CARE RITUAL: A great addition to your self-care routine
- Match the rate to the recommendation’s units and the product’s stated nutrient content.
- Use the specified placement, such as broadcast or banded application; the rates are not interchangeable.
- Avoid heavy or repeated applications “just in case,” because excess soluble salts can harm roots.
- Do not substitute lime for magnesium sulfate unless the soil also needs a pH adjustment and local guidance supports liming.
When not to use Epsom salt
- Your soil test shows adequate magnesium and no local recommendation calls for more.
- You are looking for a guaranteed way to grow larger potatoes or increase the number harvested.
- You do not know the product’s nutrient concentration or how to convert a nutrient-based field recommendation into product weight.
- You are considering repeated applications without testing or a local recommendation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
