Hydrogen Peroxide Uses in Your Garden

Contents

1 Hydrogen Peroxide
2 Hydrogen Peroxide Applications
- 2.1 For Faster Seed Germination
- 2.2 As a Fertilizer
3 Insect Repellent

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with a colorless liquid. It is unstable and slowly decomposes in the presence of a base or catalyst. Diluted hydrogen peroxide has many uses in the house and garden because of its antiseptic and oxidizing properties. Using hydrogen peroxide for gardening saves your money, time and is environmentally friendly.

Hydrogen peroxide serves best by releasing oxygen as a supplement for plants. It also helps by aerating the soil, as the bleaching agent and disinfectant in your garden.

Hydrogen Peroxide Applications

Here are 10 major applications that can be helpful in your garden using hydrogen peroxide.

For Faster Seed Germination

When you soak seeds in diluted hydrogen peroxide, it germinates faster and promotes healthy growth. It is just because peroxide breaks down and releases oxygen. A simple procedure is to soak seeds in 3% of hydrogen peroxide added with water for 30 minutes. Rinse it with water before planting your seeds in the soil.

It is also good to mix hydrogen peroxide into the soil when you sow seeds in the garden as it kills the pathogens present on the seed coat.

As a Fertilizer

Hydrogen peroxide can be used in the garden to strengthen the root system of your plants. Mix 1tspn of 3% of hydrogen peroxide with a gallon of water. When you spray this solution on plant roots, it absorbs the nutrients effectively from the soil. You can use this solution occasionally to boost the plant growth.

Insect Repellent

Though some bugs and insects are helpful, few insects can damage the plant growth. Using hydrogen peroxide solution may give you a better result. It is safe to use and keep insects away.

Mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with 8 ounces of water if garden plants are infected by pests. This solution can reduce the insects in your garden. It also kills eggs and larvae of moths and other harmful insects.

Soil Aeration

Soil aeration is important for all varieties of garden plants. Providing enough space for air and nutrients to the soil will boost the plant growth. Plants may die due to the bad maintenance of the soil. Soil should be the type of vermiculite or perlite with porous rocks. It helps to retain water content in the soil. Other sources like peat moss, manure, and organic compost are mixed with sand in myriad ways to meet nutrient levels and soil ph. It also aerates and adds sufficient oxygen levels to the plants.

Weed Killer

Use strong hydrogen peroxide (up to 10%) to kill weeds in unwanted areas of your garden. You can pour the solution directly into the weed-prone areas or cracks in the evening or early morning for better results. Be careful while using this method. Wear protective tools and spray the concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution only on weeds; not on benefitted plants. It kills the unwanted weeds in your garden and looks beautiful. After using this solution, immediately wash your hands with cold, running water.

Fight against Fungal Infections

Garden plants may become weak due to the effect of fungal infections on plants. Mix 4tspn of hydrogen peroxide (up to 3%) with water in a spray bottle. Use this solution on the plants that show the signs of powdery mildew, white spots, rust and other fungal infections. Too much of this solution can damage the plant tissues. To maintain proper dilution before applying on plants.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections may damage the fruits, flower buds, bulbs, and tubers. Cuts and bruises are the major cause of bacterial infections. Insects like pinworm, spider mite, flea, ringworm, tic, and tapeworm also spread the disease or infections on plants. It has a great impact on plants and immediately you need to find out the solution for such problems.

Hydrogen peroxide is the best choice for gardeners to protect your plants. Simply spray the solution on plants or apply it on fresh cuts after pruning. Bulbs and tubers can be dipped into the solution when they are ready to store in the refrigerator.

Treating Root Rot

Root rot is a condition found in both indoor and outdoor plants. It is more common in indoor plants with poor drainage. Overwatering the plants may result in root rot and is quite common in indoor plants. Excess water makes difficult for the plant roots to get air when they need.

To avoid root rot in plants, water the plants only when the soil becomes dry. You can also prefer hydrogen peroxide (up to 3%) mixed with a gallon of water. The extra oxygen in hydrogen peroxide provides oxygen to the roots. After applying this solution, do not water the plant until the soil dries.

Cleans Gardening Tools

Gardening tools include pruning shears, axe, shovel for properly maintaining and harvesting the plants. They are also used for removing weeds, trimming plants, pruning bushes and for digging soil. Tools must be cleaned before it gets disinfected.

Mix hydrogen peroxide with a gallon of water as prescribed on the label. Now you can spray the solution on garden tools or dip them in a mixture. It completely eliminates the rust, algae, fungus, bacteria, and spores on tools and looks like new, shiny again.

Aqua or Hydroponic plants

The hydroponic system is a method of growing plants without soil i.e. using water as a solvent medium for supplying nutrients and minerals. In hydroponics nutrients may be supplied in the form of fish waste or duck manure. The best way to provide nutrients is by adding hydrogen peroxide to the water. Addition of hydrogen peroxide to the water keeps the plants healthy. It also supplies extra oxygen levels to the plant roots and aquatic life.

Hydrogen peroxide also prevents root rot which is the major problem in hydroponics as it completely decomposes into water and oxygen. It is safe to use than any other chemicals to fight against rot.

Precautions | Tips

Always use diluted hydrogen peroxide for gardening and handle it with care.
Flush immediately with cold water when it accidentally splashes on your hands.
Keep it away from your children and pets as it can cause severe health problems.
Make sure it is stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat source.
Do not heat or boil hydrogen peroxide as it is unstable and can explode immediately.
Using more than 10% of concentrated hydrogen peroxide can damage the vegetation.
3% of hydrogen peroxide is not dangerous but creates foam and can be irritating to eyes.
Read instructions and warning labels on hydrogen peroxide bottles before applying it to plants.
Wear rubber gloves, goggles and safety clothes while dealing with concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
It is a powerful oxidizing agent but can cause toxicity when inhaled and higher concentration can cause skin burns.

Start using dilute hydrogen peroxide in your home and garden that has myriad applications for promoting plant growth. If you have amazing ideas about using hydrogen peroxide, please share your experience with us.

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