Baking soda has several modes of action. When it is sprayed on plants, it disrupts the ion balance of fungal cells, which causes them to collapse. Also, fungal spores are eliminated because the baking soda leaves alkaline residues on the surface of plants.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an antifungal agent and can even kill some established forms of fungus. Research has shown it's effective against some kinds of black spot and powdery mildew. 3 Best of all, baking soda is completely non-toxic for mammals, readily available in any grocery store, and inexpensive.
Baking soda itself is not likely to control fungal disease in your garden or landscape, but very easily could cause leaf damage if used at a higher concentration. Low concentrations of SBC, combined with a horticultural oil, may have some effectiveness on mild cases of powdery mildew.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an effective and inexpensive antifungal agent that is readily available at a supermarket. It is an organic and eco-friendly remedy for black spots and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Prevent Fungal Disease
Give this natural remedy a try. MAKE IT: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2-3 drops of liquid soap in 1 liter of water. Spray the solution on the infected plants. Baking soda helps the plants become less acidic and prevents fungal growth.
Technically, yes. But practically speaking, it's not ideal. Because high concentrations of sodium are toxic to plants, if you dump a bunch of dry baking soda onto a small plant, it will probably die. Also, because sodium is soluble, it's likely to hurt or kill nearby plants that you didn't want to harm.
Use weekly on plants to prevent powdery mildew. Best used on overcast days rather than when it is sunny. Baking soda disrupts the ion balance in fungal cells to help prevent powdery mildew on plants.
Fungicides are pesticides that kill or prevent the growth of fungi and their spores. They can be used to control fungi that damage plants, including rusts, mildews and blights.
While hydrogen peroxide isn't a good choice for your skin, its antiseptic properties make it useful around the house. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can kill viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungi and spores.
Apple cider vinegar as fungicide on plants- To make a fungicide out of this, take one tablespoon of vinegar and mix it with a gallon of water. Shake this well and add to a spray bottle. Vinegar mixture can treat most fungal infections on any plant, without causing any harm.
Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water. Add a teaspoon of insecticidal soap OR lightweight horticulture oil to act as a spread sticker for the solution. Spray the plants at first sign of the disease. Repeat every 7 to 10 days throughout the season.
It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases. A solution of 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) baking soda to 1 gallon a (4 L.) of water reduces instances of leaf burn.
The baking soda will kill existing small weeds and will prevent the growth of new weeds. Avoid applying baking soda to plants or grasses that you want to keep, as the baking soda can kill them, too, when used in high doses. You may also need to reapply after rain. As a weed killer, baking soda kills leaves and foliage.
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 gallon of water. Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons of Murphy's oil soap in 1 gallon of water. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Be sure to test this first because vinegar can burn plants.
Best Overall
We chose the Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride Antifungal Cream as our top pick because it works to address a variety of infections, including toenail fungus. The prescription-strength cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Lipner because it can treat athlete's foot before it spreads to the toenails.
If you do encounter fungus on your plants, just remember it can be treated and your plants will more than likely recover beautifully. Learn how to recognize powdery mildew and black spot, and how you can prevent and treat them in your own garden.
Give Plants a Boost
Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon clear ammonia, and 1 teaspoon Epsom salt in a gallon of water. Mix well and give each plant about a quart of the solution. This solution will work as a fertilizer for the plants that are looking dull and growing slowly.
Epsom Salt for Plants
Aside from the anecdotal evidence about human benefits, Epsom salt does seem to help plants. Generations of gardeners have said it helps their plants grow bushier, produce more flowers and have better color. It's also said to help seeds germinate and repel slugs and other garden pests.
Because it's household ammonia, it contains the right amount of nitrogen plants need. To make this homemade plant food: 1 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom salt. 1 teaspoon of baking soda.