Baking soda is a household hero and has been used as an effective anti-fungal agent for generations. Its anti-fungal properties are great for us gardeners too as they can be used to check the advance of fungal diseases that attack some of our most productive plants.
Tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, melons, pumpkin and squash can all fall foul of either blight or powdery mildew as they enter their most productive phase with ripening fruit. Although it may not halt fungal attack on these plants a spray made from baking soda can help to slow the advance of the disease and prevent its outbreak.
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 litres water
1 dessert spoon washing up liquid
spray bottle
Mix together baking soda and vegetable oil
Add to 4 litres of water and mix
Add washing up liquid and mix well
Fill spray bottle.
Remove affected foliage, if practical, and spray all remaining healthy foliage on plants as soon leaves show signs of fungal attack. Repeat weekly and re-apply after rain.
NB: Give any plants that are subject to fungal attack a liquid feed to strengthen them.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Label solution and date it.
Keep solution out of reach of children and pets.
Wash any treated produce before eating
Test solution on one or two plants before widespread use.
Wear appropriate protective clothing during use.
Wash your hands after use.
