We’ve all heard of baking soda at some point in our lives. It’s an item that can be found in literally every household in the world because its versatility is simply outstanding. You want to bake cookies? Then you’ll need baking soda. You have a stomachache? Use baking soda.
You want to take the foul smell of your running shoes out? You guessed it! Use basking soda! This almighty product can be basically used for everything from cleaner, to deodorant, to stain removal and even to whiten your teeth or your laundry.
If you’re still not impressed yet with what baking soda can do, then hear this: You can utilize baking soda to get rid of fungi on your plants!
That’s right. This magical item can be used not only to clean your sink but also to clear pests like fungi from your beloved garden or house greenery.
The process of putting the ingredients together to treat plant fungus with baking soda is not only very simple but also safe for you, your kids, pets, and the environment so you won’t have to worry about being extra careful with the solution.
Fungus: dangerous or not
Even though some fungi are good for plants as they spread nutrients around in the ground and help plants fight harmful substances or microorganisms, there are thousands that are dangerous to your garden.
1. How to identify fungus
The organisms of fungi are invisible to the naked eye. They travel around through the air, water, and animals and get attached to greenery, infesting the leaves, roots, or stems. They do this because they thrive by basically stealing the nutrients of the plant they set on.
Fungus can be present below and above ground, and in most cases goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Below ground they attack the roots making them rot and stop the plant from getting the much-needed water.
They also travel through the roots up to leaves and stems. If you see your plant or a part of your plant fading away or dying this could mean that a fungus is stopping it form getting water and nutrients to survive.
Above ground, they set on leaves and form various unnatural growths or discolorations that can damage the health of the entire plant if unattended.
If you notice rusty spots, powdery patches, or wilts on your plants, you most definitely have an issue with fungi.
2. How to prevent it?
Preventing this plant issue depends on the fungus you are dealing with. For example, mildew, a very common fungus, thrives in both dry and humid climates. If you find yourself in a dry climate, make certain you keep your plants well-watered and the soil mulched to prevent water loss.
Alternatively, if you live in humid climates, make sure your plants aren’t living in moist or damp soil. Try to water only the roots and not the leaves and do it in the early morning or late evening to give the leaves a chance to dry out.
Another alternative is to buy disease resistant varieties of your plants but as they are still not invincible, you’re better off preventing fungi spreads altogether. Make sure you read a little about your favorite ambient plant or garden veggie before growing it.
Finding tips on how to prevent fungus infections is key as every plant is susceptible to different types or strains of fungus.
Fungus: how to remove it
Now, if you still couldn’t prevent your plants from getting infected, you must know what to do to save them before it’s too late.
As you are able to identify fungi on your plants, you already know that if you see black or rusty spots, leaves fading away in color or life, or even rotting or falling off, you are dealing with fungi.
What to do
Don’t despair! Before getting into panic mode, start by removing stems, leaves, and even whole parts of your plant that are affected. If your plant is too damaged, remove everything including the root as the disease can spread to the plants and trees nearby.
Tip: make sure you get rid of the affected areas that you removed! Don’t leave them on the ground or move them somewhere else. The fungus will get into the ground and spread again with the first chance it’s got.
After you removed the damages completely, get to the kitchen and find that magic baking soda that will help you kill the fungi and stop them from killing again through its powerful antifungal properties.
How to make a baking soda solution
This bio fungicide is super for everybody. It’s not harsh on the environment or dangerous to you, your pets, or other animals.
Tip: baking soda is better in preventing fungi from sticking to your plants. If a big part of your plant is affected or if the fungus keeps showing up, then maybe you should try a more powerful solution to make sure you stop it for good. Afterwards, you can go back to the baking soda.
Follow these 4 simple steps:
- Take 2 liters of tap water and put it into a clean spraying bottle.
- Add 1 tablespoon of magical baking soda.
- Add a touch of liquid dish soap and shake everything together. It will help the mixture stick to the body of your plant to trap and kill the fungus more efficiently.
- Apply to the whole plant, making sure you reach under the leaves and around the stems as well.
Tips:
- this solution spoils quickly
- don’t use it under full-on sun. It will burn your beloved plant.
Last thoughts
Why go with a home-made product instead of the more powerful ones found in the store? Because common fungicides contain toxic materials like copper and sulfur that damage not only your plants, but the plants around, the soil, and the animals that come in contact with them.
Also, always keep your plants as healthy as possible because fungi tend to attach to struggling or weak greenery faster. Try this simple recipe on your plants every once in a while, even if they don’t show symptoms of disease. It will help prevent it for sure.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that too much use of baking soda can infiltrate into the soil and create other issues like impacting essential nutrients negatively. Use it in moderation!
