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gwl-g - RE: [gwl-g] Using baking soda solution on roses and ladybugs

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  • From: <miranda@tagoresmith.com>
  • To: "'gardenwriters-on-gardening'" <gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: RE: [gwl-g] Using baking soda solution on roses and ladybugs
  • Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2004 10:14:53 -0400

Baking soda and light oil kills fungal spores really effectively, in my
experience. Spraying it at weekly intervals keeps powdery mildew in
greenhouse crops of European seedless cukes from spreading--a mean
feat--and in the garden, it controls black spot on roses as well as
powdery mildew on phlox and lilac. But you have to keep up with the
spraying, which is probably why you thought it was preventative only. In
the greenhouse, I spray with it every three days or so, depending on my
foliar feeding schedule. Outside, I use it about once a week. --Use a
manual compressed air sprayer, backpack or lug-along, to make the task
go more quickly.

The oil can certainly clog insects' spiracles, but I haven't ever used
this combination to control a pest. I'm sure it would work, but no
better than oil or insecticidal soap alone.

Also, I use no more than 1 1/2 tbsp of baking soda to a gallon of water.
The original research showed that a 5% solution was effective.

Miranda Smith






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