Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with the chemical formula H2O2. The “additional oxygen atom” in hydrogen peroxide makes it useful as water breaks down from this molecule separately, releasing an extra oxygen atom that lends itself to multiple uses.
Here are 10 Amazing Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Garden
Disinfects Tools, Pots and Greenhouses
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antimicrobial agent, and therefore used in medicine to sterilize tools. It can also be used to disinfect seed trays or containers before use again.
Pruning should be done with a 6%-9% solution, while greenhouses are made sterile by spraying it on surfaces at concentrations above 10%.
Use caution because hydrogen peroxide has many useful purposes but may not work against every type of bacterium, or even worse it might be damaging for your skin as well as the plant tissues.
Prevents Root Rot
In order to prevent suffocation of roots, water the plant with a mixture consisting 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 quart water.
Hydrogen will create an excess amount of oxygen in soil that can be used by plants for survival from lack of air.
Do not allow the top layer or two inches to dry out after this mix is applied until you are ready to resume watering your plant again.
Boosts Seed Germination
There are several benefits of using hydrogen peroxide when planting seeds which include reducing germination time and increasing the amount that sprouts for each seed.
To use this method, dip the seeds in a 3% solution for 30 minutes before planting them as usual.
Destroys Mold and Mildew
With one extra oxygen molecule, hydrogen peroxide is able to kill mold and mildew.
Add 10 tablespoons of 3%-6% in a liter of water for an effective spray bottle mixture that can be applied on plants every day until the fungus disappears.
Acts as Fertilizer
Due to its extra oxygen molecule, hydrogen peroxide helps plant’s roots absorb nutrition from soil more effectively.
Add a teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of water and water your plants with this solution from time to time.
Keeps Pests and Insects Away
Hydrogen peroxide also serves as a pesticide. To use it, mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
Use this mixture to kill pests both on plants or fruits/vegetables that may harbor bacteria.
Sanitizes Seeds
To prevent seed-borne pathogens from killing off young seedlings, disinfecting them before sowing is very important.
To do so, dip the seeds in 3% hydrogen peroxide heated to 1400F for 5 minutes and then wash it off with plain running water at room temperature for a minute.
If you want to avoid food-borne illnesses caused by E coli Listeria or Salmonella, this process of disinfection must be done carefully!
Prevents and Controls Bacterial Rot
The main cause of bacterial infections on plant tissues is cuts and bruises. But sometimes insects can spread the disease too. These bacterial infections cause fruit, flower buds, bulbs, and tubers to rot into a liquid mush that will destroy your crops if you don’t take action soon enough!
Spray the plants with hydrogen peroxide solution to protect them from infection.
Apply this chemical mixture directly onto fresh tree branches or spray it after pruning for maximum protection against bacteria exposure during storage as well!
Kills Weeds
To clean your sidewalks or concrete pavements from the unwanted weeds, pour 10% concentration of hydrogen peroxide on weed and leave it there for prolonged action.
For best results, apply in early morning or late evenings since sunlight quickly breaks down hydrogen peroxide.
Preserves Fruits and Vegetables
After harvesting, spray a mixture of 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup water over fruits and vegetables to preserve them.
This will prevent wilting by preventing the oxidation process that causes it.
The fruit or vegetable can be kept for longer periods in the refrigerator when treated with this solution!