Can homemade remedies treat plant diseases?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Homemade remedies can successfully treat moderate plant disease if used properly. Last summer, my zucchini got powdery mildew, so I applied a baking soda spray and stopped it in a matter of days. However, when my tomatoes were attacked by late blight, I needed to use an off-the-shelf fungicide. As a general rule, you need to match the severity of the disease to the solution you are applying for the best results.
Baking Soda Formula
- Mix: 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 gallon water + ½ tsp soap
- Use: Spray leaf tops/undersides at dawn
- Limit: 3 applications per season to avoid pH damage
Milk Fungicide
- Ratio: 40% milk to 60% water
- Timing: Apply weekly during high humidity
- Science: Lactoferrin suppresses fungal spore germination
Cinnamon Applications
- Cuttings: Dust stems before planting to prevent damping-off
- Soil: Mix 1 tsp per cup for seedling trays
- Caution: Can dry out succulent roots if overused
Always test all remedies on one leaf first before applying them to all the plants. I had no success with a vinegar mix that worked on roses, when I tried it my basil did not react well. Wait 48 hours to apply to the rest. Systemic problems like wilt often have no success with homemade remedies, tests showed fusarium required commercial biofungicides.
Safety & Timing
- Avoid midday sun: Sprays cause leaf burn above 85°F/29°C
- Storage: Milk solutions spoil after 48 hours, mix fresh batches
- Protection: Wear gloves when handling concentrated cinnamon
Read the full article: Identify Plant Diseases: Detection & Control Guide
