Should You Water Tomatoes with Aspirin? 4 Unusual Hacks Gardeners Use for Juicy Tomatoes
Aspirin water is a popular gardening hack for tomatoes, believed to boost plant immunity and increase fruit yield. Some gardeners dissolve one regular-strength aspirin in a gallon of water and use it to water their tomato plants every few weeks. While some small studies support its benefits, results may vary. Along with aspirin, gardeners use other surprising tricks to grow juicier tomatoes, such as using Epsom salt, banana peels, and crushed eggshells. Always use these methods carefully to avoid harming your plants.
Do Tomatoes Really Benefit from Aspirin Water?
If you’ve spent time chatting with gardeners, you’ve probably heard about adding aspirin to tomato plants. The idea might sound odd at first. But is there any science behind this trend?
Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, a compound similar to salicylic acid, which plants naturally produce when fighting stress or disease. Some research suggests that giving plants a diluted aspirin solution can help them defend themselves against pests, drought, and disease.1 The process may also trigger the plant’s own immune response, making it more resilient. 2
Here’s what gardeners typically do:
- Dissolve one regular-strength (325 mg) aspirin in one gallon of water.
- Stir well so the aspirin fully dissolves.
- Use the solution to water the soil around tomato plants every two to three weeks.
Some gardeners even spray the mixture on leaves to help prevent fungal diseases. While the evidence is promising, results are not guaranteed. Too much aspirin can harm your plants, so stick to the suggested amount.
Epsom Salt
Another hack that gets a lot of attention is Epsom salt. This common household product contains magnesium sulfate. Tomatoes need magnesium to produce chlorophyll, the pigment that keeps leaves green and supports healthy fruit growth.
If your tomato plants have yellowing leaves or slow growth, a magnesium boost can sometimes help. Here’s how gardeners use Epsom salt:
- Mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt into a gallon of water.
- Water the base of the plant with the solution once a month.
This trick isn’t for every garden. If your soil already has enough magnesium, adding more won’t help and can even cause problems. Consider testing your soil before adding Epsom salt regularly.
Banana Peels
Banana peels are packed with potassium, which tomatoes need to grow strong stems and produce juicy fruit. Potassium also helps plants move water and nutrients.
To use this hack:
- Bury chopped banana peels a few inches deep in the soil near your tomato plants, but not too close to the roots.
- As the peels break down, they release potassium and other nutrients slowly.
This is a gentle, natural way to feed your plants. It’s not a replacement for regular fertilizer, but it can be a helpful supplement, especially if your soil is low in potassium.
Crushed Eggshells
Blossom end rot is a common tomato problem, causing dark, sunken spots on the bottom of the fruit. It’s usually caused by a calcium deficiency. Crushed eggshells are a traditional fix for this issue.
Here’s how to use them:
- Rinse eggshells and let them dry.
- Crush them into small pieces or grind them into powder.
- Mix the shells into the soil at the base of your tomato plants before planting, or sprinkle them around the plants during the growing season.
Eggshells release calcium slowly, so they work best as a preventive measure rather than an emergency fix. Keep in mind, consistent watering is just as important, since tomatoes need steady moisture to absorb calcium from the soil.
The Bottom Line
Aspirin water, Epsom salt, banana peels, and eggshells are four unusual but popular hacks among tomato growers. Used wisely, these methods can give your tomatoes a gentle boost. However, healthy plants start with good soil, proper watering, and plenty of sunlight.
Experiment with these hacks if you’re curious, but remember: observing your plants and responding to their needs is the best gardening advice there is.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I water tomatoes with aspirin solution?
Most gardeners use an aspirin solution every two to three weeks. Overusing aspirin can harm your plants, so don’t apply it too often.
2. Will Epsom salt fix all yellow leaves on tomatoes?
Epsom salt helps if yellowing is caused by magnesium deficiency. Other problems, like pests or overwatering, need different solutions.
3. Can I put whole banana peels directly in the soil?
Chop or shred banana peels before burying them to help them break down faster and release nutrients gradually.
4. Do eggshells work immediately for blossom end rot?
Eggshells release calcium slowly, so they work best to prevent blossom end rot, not to cure fruit that already has it.
5. Are these hacks safe for all plants?
These hacks are mostly safe for tomatoes and other garden plants in moderation. Always research before using them on different crops or in large amounts.
