Is Molasses Good for the Garden?

Molasses in the soil? It’s not just a myth, it actually works.
But like most things in gardening, it’s all about balance.

Molasses is packed with natural sugars and trace minerals. When used properly, it feeds the beneficial microbes in your soil. These microbes help break down organic matter, unlock nutrients (especially potassium, calcium, and iron), improve soil structure and ultimately support stronger, healthier root systems

Think of it as a little energy drink for your soil, especially helpful after applying compost, worm castings, mulch, or during seasonal transitions.

Now healthy soil is great for everything but you’ll definitely notice a difference when you use it around native plants like grass trees and grevilleas (low nutrient lovers), veggies that thrive in biologically active soil, roses, citrus, perennials and lawns.

Like most things its not great if you overdo it. Too much leads to oxygen loss, mould, and nutrient tie-up. You also shouldn’t use if your soil is already heavy or waterlogged.

Always read the label.
Use plain molasses not sulphured molasses (the sulphur kills the very microbes you're trying to feed)

It is recommended that you
➤ Mix about 1 tablespoon of unsulphured molasses into a 9L watering can (that’s a 0.2–0.5% dilution)
➤ Pour around the base of your plants into the soil, not on the leaves
➤ Apply every 6 weeks if necessary

If you want to really boot your gardens, a follow up with seaweed tonic or worm juice to really get those microbes multiplying too.

Molasses when used wisely, can give your garden a biological edge, boosting resilience, root health, and overall soil vitality.

Just don’t treat it like maple syrup on pancakes and drown your plants.
A little sweet goes a long way