As autumn temperatures fall, gardeners across the UK face a common and persistent enemy: powdery mildew and other fungal infections. This issue doesn't just affect outdoor plants but can also strike those kept indoors or in greenhouses, threatening their health and vitality.
The Simple Kitchen Cupboard Remedy
Thankfully, a powerful solution doesn't require a trip to the garden centre or harsh chemicals. According to gardening expert and TikTok star Ish, you can create an effective, natural antifungal spray using one common household ingredient: bicarbonate of soda.
Ish advocates for a clever home remedy that combines baking soda and water to protect plants against fungal infections like black spot and powdery mildew. This homemade spray not only helps remove existing problems but also acts as a protective barrier against future outbreaks.
How to Make and Use Your Antifungal Spray
The process is remarkably straightforward. You will need a spray bottle, water, and some bicarbonate of soda. The recommended mixture is one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda per 500ml of water.
Add both ingredients to the spray bottle, fix the lid securely, and give it a thorough shake to combine. For plants currently battling an infection, treat them with this solution once a week. Ensure you spray the blend over the entire infected area until it is thoroughly soaked.
This remedy can also be employed proactively as a protective measure. Be sure to reapply the spray after rainfall to maintain its effectiveness and prevent the fungus from spreading.
Understanding and Preventing the Problem
Ish points out that the root cause of these issues is often humidity and excess moisture. If your plants are too densely packed, he recommends thinning out the area to improve air circulation. It is also crucial to remove and dispose of any affected leaves.
So how does it work? As an antifungal treatment, baking soda alters the surface pH of the plant's leaves, making them less acidic. This creates an environment where it is more difficult for fungi like black spot and powdery mildew to develop and thrive.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) supports a preventative approach. They emphasise that the most effective way to stop fungal diseases from developing or returning is through good garden hygiene. This includes gathering and destroying fallen leaves in autumn and removing any diseased leaves that remain on plants during the winter months.
The RHS also encourages gardeners to avoid using commercial fungicides, which can reduce biodiversity, harm soil health, and have negative effects on the wider environment. This makes natural solutions like the baking soda spray an excellent choice for the eco-conscious gardener.
