My chemical free garden remedies that I have found to be effective.....all in one place for easy reference.
Fungicide - Blight preventer for tomato plants
1 T. baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate - contains salt which may damage the plant and soil if it builds up)
1 T. oil
few drops (1/4 t.) dish soap (DAWN)
water to make 1 gallon
Mix in spray bottle. Completely spray the tomato plant at the first sign of blight. If I see blight starting I spray all plants with this to prevent the spread. Spray in the morning or evening, never in the heat of the day. Repeat every 7 to 14 days.
You can spray baking soda fungicide on a wide variety of plants, but some species are highly sensitive and can suffer leaf burn.
(Safe to Spray)These plants handle baking soda solutions well if properly diluted:
Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and zucchini
Fruits: Grapes, strawberries, and melons.
Ornamentals: Roses, zinnias, peonies, and lilacs.
Sensitive Plants (Avoid or Use Caution)These plants are prone to severe leaf damage or chemical burning:
Herbs: Mint, basil, rosemary, and oregano (their delicate leaves easily scorch).
Foliage: Ferns, orchids, and succulents
Fruit Trees: Apple, peach, and cherry trees often exhibit high sensitivity.
Crucial Safety Tips
Sun protection: Never spray in direct sunlight or during intense midday heat.
Soil defense: Avoid oversaturating the ground, as sodium buildup harms soil health.
The 24-hour test: Spray one leaf first and wait a full day to check for wilting or browning.
Better Fungicide (AKA: the Cornell Formula)
1 T. potassium bicarbonate (does not contain sodium like the one above)
1 T. oil
few drops (1/4 t.) dish soap (DAWN)
water to make 1 gallon
Mix in spray bottle. Completely spray the tomato plant at the first sign of blight. If I see blight starting I spray all plants with this to prevent the spread. Spray in the morning or evening, never in the heat of the day. Repeat every 7 to 14 days.
Feed the Soil
2 T. molasses
1 T. yeast
2 c. warm water
1 c. buttermilk
1 T. baking soda
14 c.. warm water
Mix the yeast, molasses, and 2 c. warm water first. Wait 30 minutes to an hour for the yeast to wake up and create bubbles. Stir in the buttermilk, baking soda, and the rest of the water. Pour about 1 cup of the liquid onto the dirt near the base of each plant, do not pout on the foliage or stem. Do this only 2 to 3 times a month. Pour any leftover mix onto your compost pile. Never store the mix in a closed bottle because active yeast builds up gas and can explode.
The Science
When you combine these four items, you create a "microbial cascade." That feeds tiny living things in your dirt.
Molasses: Loaded with natural sugars and iron. It acts as a superfood to wake up sleeping, healthy microbes in your soil.
Yeast: A living microbe. When mixed with sweet molasses, it multiplies and ferments. This process creates B-vitamins and helps plants absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the dirt.
Buttermilk: Provides the soil with beneficial bacteria (like lactobacillus) and soluble calcium. Calcium helps build strong plant cell walls and stops problems like "blossom end rot" on tomatoes.
Baking Soda: Balances the soil's acidity. It creates a slightly alkaline (basic) barrier on the dirt that stops harmful fungi and mildew from growing.
Hydrogen Peroxide 3% = 5 uses in the garden
1 ) prevent/treat root rot =
2) sanitize tools = full strength, to prevent spreading disease
3) soak seeds for faster germination = soaking seeds in a solution of 1 tsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup of water for 30 minutes before planting can help the seed coating to soften and germinate faster. Rinse before planting.
4) foliar spray = a solution of 1 T. peroxide to 1 cup of water, spray the infected plants foliage to fight bacteria, fungus and pest infestations. This can help with aphids and spider mites.
5) oxygenate soil = when properly diluted, peroxide provides that extra oxygen atom to plants at the root making it an excellent fertilizer. Mix 1 tsp of peroxide per cup of water and water plant at the roots.
Various formulas for each use, I suggest you research your particular problem before treating so you have the right formula.
Spoiled milk in your garden is a natural source of calcium and nitrogen. To avoid attracting pests and causing foul odors or root rot, you must dilute it with water at a ratio of 1 part milk to 5 parts water and pour it at the base of plants like tomatoes or squash. Helps cure powdery mildew and blossom end rot.
