The dropping temperatures don’t just affect plants in your garden, but also the ones you store in your homes and greenhouses, too. An issue that can arise with many different plants is fungal infections and powdery mildew.
Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish recently shared how you can use one natural household item to fight off the likes of black spot and powdery mildew in your garden. Ish wrote in the caption: “Protect your beloved plants against fungal infections or powdery mildew with a clever home remedy of bicarbonate of soda and water. This home made anti fungal spray will help remove the fungal infections and protect against future ones too.”
Fortunately, you won’t need any harsh chemical and commercial products, but simply a spray bottle, water and some baking soda. Mixing together water and baking soda will create a natural anti-fungal solution that can be used on plants.
In a spray bottle, add one teaspoon of baking soda per 500ml of water. Apply the lid of the bottle and give the solution a good mix.
Spray your plants with the solution once a week if they’re suffering from powdery mildew or fungal infections, or it can be used as a preventative measure.
Spray the mixture over the affected area, making sure it’s generously saturated. Make sure to reapply the solution to plants after it has rained to help control the spread of the fungus.
Ish explained: “However the problem is usually caused by humidity and excess moisture, so if it gets a little too thick in there, don’t be afraid to thin out the area, remove the affected leaves, and still add a little spray just to keep it happy.”
This solution makes a natural antifungal spray which can help target mould, black spot, and powdery mildew.
As an antifungal agent, baking soda changes the leaf’s surface pH, making it less acidic and harder for black spot fungus to grow.
To prevent fungal diseases, such as black spot, and powdery mildew from forming or returning, the Royal Horticultural Society explained that the best form of control is by avoiding pests, diseases and weeds, as well as good garden hygiene, and introducing “natural enemies”.
It’s also best to get ahead of the problem before it can spread, especially during the colder months.
The RHS urged gardeners to collect and destroy any fallen leaves during the autumn, and to also pick off and dispose of any leaves that stay on the plant during the winter months.
Gardeners should also avoid using fungicides, as this could reduce biodiversity, impact soil health, and have adverse effects on the environment.
Comments are closed.