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DIY Baking Soda Spray for the Garden

There are times when even the most dedicated Organic gardener is enticed to blast prize ornamentals with substances to slow the infuriating spread of fungal disease. But take heart — fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot can be averted, and occasionally destroyed, with environmentally friendly household products like baking soda and liquid dish soap. Use the nontoxic spray disease-prone ornamentals and edibles.

Preparing the Sizes

Fill a bucket with two quarts of water. Warm water will help the baking soda dissolve rapidly, but cold water from a hose is fine.

Step out 1 to 2 tsp of baking soda, and add it into the water. Follow with a few drops (about 1/2 tsp) of liquid soap. Liquid soap helps the spray adhere to plants and has pest-fighting properties.

Stir the water well until the baking soda dissolves and the soap is evenly dispersed.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or a bigger backpack sprayer. If you are using a spray bottle, then a scoop helps channel the water though the bottle’s narrow throat. A ladle or measuring cup with a spout also makes the decanting job a little less awkward.

Spraying the Plants

Wear gardening gloves prior to spraying plants if your skin is sensitive. In general, baking soda and gentle liquid soap are not regarded as caustic.

Spray plants thoroughly in late morning. This timing will provide leaves a chance to dry before temperatures fall at night, which further decreases the probability of plant disease problems. Focus on the leaf when applying the spray. Coat both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves till the plants are dripping.

Refill the spray bottle or backpack sprayer using the remaining portion of the bucket.

Use the spray to plants every one to two weeks or after it rains. If the fungal disease is one that strikes during a specific season — chilly, wet springs tend to be risky in regards to the spread of fungal spores — use the spray primarily during this span.

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