Gardeners have been urged to do one simple task to help their plants stay fungi-free. Plant fungus can quickly damage and even kill plants. As a fungus grows, plants wither.
Big Blog of Gardening has recommended a gentle solution to fungi in plants. The site advised using baking soda to help with fungal issues, especially on plants prone to “powdery mildew”. It said: “It’s a simple mix—just combine a teaspoon of baking soda with water and a few drops of liquid soap. Once mixed, I gently spray it on my plants. It’s crucial to apply it early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the sun burning the leaves. This method helps me combat fungal diseases effectively. It’s one of my favorite tricks to keep my garden healthy without resorting to harsh chemicals.” Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been shown to have antifungal properties. It acts by altering the pH levels on the leaves of the plants, making it more difficult for fungi to thrive.
If you’re applying this on outdoor plants, light or no wind (0 to 5 mph) is needed to achieve the best coverage and minimise drift potential. It works best when there’s a temperature inversion – colder air is near the ground and warmer air is above.
Spraying in light wind during a temperature inversion reduces the possibility of fine spray droplets getting trapped in the inversion, rising, and drifting away.
Midday is the best time to spray during a temperature inversion as the conditions are less pronounced at that time.
Leaves must also be dry, or only covered with a light dew, as moisture can enable runoff. Choose a day when it is expected to stay dry for at least four hours after you apply.
This may be best to do between Sunday and Tuesday (August 3 to 5), when it is forecast to be dry and breezy across much of the country.
The Met Office said of the period: “Breezier on Sunday with rain clearing to sunnier skies later. Turning unsettled and unseasonably windy on Monday with some disruption possible. Drier but still rather windy on Tuesday.”
Baking soda spray may not be effective on all fungi. If this method doesn’t work, consider buying a purpose-made anti-fungal plant spray.