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H2O2 and Horticulture - Using Hydrogen Peroxide in the Garden
As many of you will know, nature has many uses for Hydrogen Peroxide. Perhaps the most important use occurs high up in our atmosphere. When rain clouds reach the upper levels of the atmosphere, water mixes with ozone (O3) and in the presence of ultra violet light (UV), Hydrogen Peroxide is formed – H2O2 = H20 + 03 + UV Light. This H2O2 fills the rain clouds and acts to clean the planet.
Farmers and growers have known about the benefits of diluted hydrogen peroxide for years and regularly use it as a crop spray but now, even the humble gardener can get it on the act.
Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen. It acts as an oxygen supplement for plants and really seems to promote good health and strong growth. It can also help keep soil fungus in check and will aerate the soil at the same time. In addition, it is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and also works as a pesticide.
Applications for Hydrogen Peroxide in the Garden:
A 3% solution is best for use in the garden. Just mix 1oz. of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide with 11oz. of distilled water.
This solution can be used as a general fertiliser, either through the watering can or sprayed onto the foliage.
For sick plants, it can be sprayed onto the leaves or added during watering.
After trimming or pruning trees, spray it onto the cuts to prevent infection.
Use it as a greenhouse spray to keep mildew and mould under control.
For sprouting seeds before planting, you can add it to the water that the seeds soak in. Watch them grow faster and stronger!
It can also be used to treat mould or fungus on plants simply by spraying, or add it to the soil to control harmful bacteria.
For an insecticide, add 8oz. of white sugar and 4-8oz. of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon (4.5litres) of water.
Testimonial - George Paterson - Course Manager at Moray Golf Course - October 21st 2011
At Moray Golf Club I have been using 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide on our greens for over two years now. I first became interested in the product after some internet research in its many household and health uses but especially in horticulture and gardening. All the information suggested that seed germination, growth, health and disease resistance all increased with its use. I strangely could find very little information for its use on fine turf. Grass is a living plant and on putting green surfaces are put under all sorts of stresses throughout the year. Some of these are grass cutting, rolling and mechanical damage, drought and wind burn, water logged soils, compacted and infertile soils. It is these stresses that weaken the plants natural ability to fight against pathogens and turf disorders and a weakened plant is more susceptible to disease attack.
The technical reasons for applying the H202 to turf are as I am led to understand are to improve in its general health and to quickly heal up any turf leaf associated diseases. This would be best done on any diseases in their infancy as the oxygen rich reaction from the spray on the grass leaf kills the disease pathogen off.
I’ve found using H202 especially useful in the autumn during periods of reduced sunlight, top dressed greens and damp conditions when Fusarium patch disease has been most likely to occur. Long term protection of the grass plant was achieved during the last two winters in the most severe of weather. I have found this to be a very useful and cost effective tool in the greenkeepers box and will carry on using it as part of my integrated pest management strategy.
We have used 2 x 25lt containers supplied by Bobbys Healthy Shop and have received a friendly and excellent service.
Application:
I’ve applied it at 2.5 – 3.3 Lt/Ha H202 (pure 35% FG) as a course spray in 400 to 500lt water / Ha. It has been sprayed it onto both moist and dry turf with no adverse reaction.
George Paterson
Courses Manager
Moray Golf Club
