My Mid Summer Spraying Regiment for Blight, Powdery Mildew, and Pests

[@c.a.simple]

Recipe #1 1 gallon of water 2 Tbsp of baking soda 3 drops of dish soap 3 Tbsp of vegetable oil.

[@Farmerbettyboop2]

thank you for printing this. Every time i think about making the mixture, I have to go back and look at the video.

[@jswhosoever4533]

Why dish soap?!?! I dont want soap on my organic plants.

[@Master_Yoda1990]

@@jswhosoever4533 soap won’t harm the plants in low doses and the soap emulsifies the oil so it can be mixed with water.

[@vernaweese6120]

@@jswhosoever4533 it helps the stuff stick .

[@steveo_o6707]

I'm using Rosemary oil instead of cooking oil, to do double duty.

[@parsonroy]

Tomato hornworms got on my 3 large tomatoes and were destroying them. I went to get a pesticide. When I got back home, there was a pair of Cardinals working the infestation. They took care of the problem in about a half day. No pesticide needed.

[@beautyforashes2230]

Birds are pretty awesome. I provide water and food for them in my garden and keep it a bit wild so there are always plenty of insects, and in return they pick off the caterpillars and potato beetles from my plants and leave my berries alone.

[@jenniferrush8231]

U just need a black light and to go out at night and find them at night

[@karenl7786]

I picked as many as I could find off by hand. The wasps laid eggs on the rest. Pretty weird!

[@Pinkrosesandagraveyard]

I have birds pecking my tomatoes

[@kittyfruitloop8264]

@Rick Blackmy solution... cats... My friend in the burbs struggles with birds in her berry patch. I live in farmland and have had rodent problems in the past, so I keep yard cats now. I am amazed at the rodents they nab!. As a side benefit, they keep the birds in check, so even though I have small blueberry bushes, I always get a harvest. To give credit though, the birds do help in bug control more than they take in berry consumption. My garden is fenced from chickens and cats but the birds do get in the garden. But from the evidence of what they take, the juicy bug burgers are more appetizing than just berries for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Biodiversity is a good thing!

[@babystepsgarden6162]

This is a video I have watched a couple of times. Being a new Gardener (at age 65) I watch once; watch again and take notes; watch yet again to check my notes (or just use the transcript... but it's not as much fun ☺️). And if I want a refresher course I could always go back and watch again. Your video's are worth watching again. ❤️

[@poeticpursuits1332]

I am a new gardener and I watch once, then watch again and take notes, and if I need a refresher I bookmark the video for later too.

[@JojoCrazyCat]

A friend of mine just asked what is the best KZbin channel to learn how to garden. I showed him this guys channel. I said, this guy has taught me more then any other person how to make a good garden. Its perfect for making gardens in city yards, and out in the country. Is videos from many years back. Is so much info about gardens, it would take months to watch all the videos. It pretty much covers anything i ever wanted to know about gardening.

[@fannybuster]

I have had good success using plain milk and water to control powdery mildew.A half cup to a whole cup in your sprayer with water works wonders.It can be whole or 1% or 2%milk.

[@davidb196]

I am growing 3 types of squashes and cucumbers for the first time in my new garden, and I have lots of powdery mildew. After watching the video, I took a multi - prong approach. Cut off the bad leaves and then spraying all together: Baking Soda, milk, copper, and neem oil. Today the plants are looking good. THANK YOU!!!! YOU SAVED MY GARDEN.

[@greeneyedlady5580]

Good grief! That's way overkill. The ideas of the milk and baking soda are to slightly change the PH of the leaf surface - in opposite directions. If you ate using both at the same time, they are totally canceling out the purpose of using them

[@faithevrlasting]

With all that youre lucky you have live plants left. Just sayin'. You notice Luke says he doesnt even use neem except in spring and end of season because in the heat, they can damage plants. Be careful. You should always test spray also. Wondering if you watched this video, he explains it well.

[@jsc3417]

Now you are killing the fungi's, as well as the PLANT ITSELF!!!

[@angelafraner3374]

Don’t forget folks that the little guys pollinating and eating bad bugs need a home. I’ve let my grassy clover & other wild flowers grow under fruit trees and nature takes care of things. Learned this in very old books. Great info! Thank you

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

Maybe you could list some of your old book titles? GOD bless

[@burntblonde2925]

What is the name of the book? I love this! Nature is best

[@dvrmte]

Nature would destroy the unnatural, disease prone, invasive fruit tree if left to her devices. The process of domesticating any plant is artificial.

[@MrsC122]

Great tips! I put pennies in the soil of my raised beds which keeps the powdery mildew down, as it comes from the soil. The copper from the pennies acts as a copper fungicide. It is an old Yankee gardener trick. Also baking soda is a base -alkaline, not an acid.

[@debbiem2146]

May I ask; how many pennies per plant, and how deeply in the soil are they placed?

[@LaceyLace_]

I'd like to know as well

[@MrsC122]

Debbie M I just scatter them about 4-6 per square foot. Don’t really count them...just make sure they are evenly distributed. Also I only use them in beds with plants that are susceptible to powdery mildew, like cukes, squashes and melons.

[@debbiem2146]

@@MrsC122 Thank you :-) !

[@wmluna381]

@@MrsC122 Interesting.

[@ArtistGoneWild]

The baking soda, soap and oil mix worked! BUT I applied it in the early evening so the sun was still too harsh and it burned a lot of the leaves. Make sure, when you apply it, that the sun is completely OFF the plants for the day!

[@brokenarrow6491]

I did it in the early morning and it still burned my tomato plants badly.

[@daisy1441]

@@brokenarrow6491 So you used it Late July. What was the outside temp later that day?

[@christinajones7696]

Can I use the Baking Soda in the evening after the Sun sets or my plants are shaded? Please respond.

[@Born_Banjaxed]

Thank you so much for this video. When my plants used to get a disease I used to feel overwhelmed and hopeless to stop it. With your advice, this year I am growing healthy all season long!

[@HBSuccess]

Baking soda is a base. It’s not “slightly acidic” it’s the opposite.

[@bryanhempel4764]

Baking soda ph is 8.4 alkaline. Waters ph vary based on the source so the final mixture ph would vary.

[@skratch5628]

Was thinking the same

[@nannybannany]

I was thinking this too.

[@ThatGardener]

It’s alkeline true!

[@canucanoe2861]

@DR. Murdoch Nonsense. Milk has lactose, a sugar, and not lactic acid. When people get pepper sprayed, they use milk to neutralize the acid in the pepper spray. You don't neutralize acid with another acid. You're a doctor, huh? Wow. I hope you take more care when you prescribe meds.

[@jenniferwheeler1109]

Thanks for the tips. Btw, the pH of baking soda is around 8.3 making it basic, not acidic. And milk’s pH is around 6.7 making it a bit acidic.

[@howtogardenwithhammerinhan2427]

As a cheap alternative to ph up for feeding plants, I use baking soda. For ph down, I use white vinegar. They are used because the baking soda is alkaline, and the vinegar is acidic.

[@jenmv3483]

What portions of baking soda vinegar?

[@paulk5311]

yes he incorrectly said baking soda is acidic when it is anything but. its ph is around 8.3 and diseases need an acidic environment to thrive and baking soda raises the alkalinity of the surface of the leaves enough to keep blight at bay. the thing i don't like about baking soda is you have to reapply it if it rains and you have to reapply often, every week or two. i prefer to not have to deal with blight in the first place by mulching around my plants to avoid soil splashing on the underside of leaves. i also remove the lower leaves and especially on tomatoes. as they grow i prune them and after they have good height i remove all leaves at least a foot off the ground.

[@dmariewalker6880]

@@paulk5311 yes & it works

[@sunnybrookfarmintheblueridge]

Thank you for posting! This was exactly what I was looking for this evening! I literally just came inside from picking cucumber beetles and squash bugs off my cucumber bed. Bacterial wilt has been making its rounds, and on top of that, the soap-water solution I’ve been spraying to help with pests has actually started giving even the healthy plants powdery mildew ... ugh! I’m so glad you choose to share your knowledge and experience with those of us who are less experienced!

[@lindapritchard4957]

RE: Neem Oil. Now I know what killed my tomato plants and other vegetables. UGH! Wish I saw this a few years ago. Love your informative videos! Keep them coming.

[@mercedesreed904]

Don't change a thing. I love your energy. I learn so much for you.

[@PokeyBessie]

Hydrogen Peroxide works very well in water as a spray too.. Learned that from Rusted Garden channel and it works well for him in Maryland. I do use Neem oil but I'd never use it during the day. Only in the evening when the sun is not hitting on them if I am using it in the summer time. Baking soda does work well. Asperin with it works good too since asperin tells tomato plants to beef up their defenses.

[@peterturner1582]

@Fester Adams I'm sorry but it is impractical to use UVC light on your veggie patch and some of these "concoctions" DO work as long as you maintain your regimen.

[@peterturner1582]

@Fester Adams These so-called "concoctions" work by a variety of means including altering the ph of the surface of the leaves in the case of baking soda thus making it uninhabitable for powdery mildew. Unlike many chemical sprays they are not systemic meaning they do not get absorbed into the actual plant so they need to be applied regularly. You can keep your UVC lighting. I have tried to price such a light in Australia and cannot find it anywhere however I have looked at some scientific studies and yes it does kill insects. It doesn't kill powdery mildew. It is harmful to ALL insects which is a problem in an organic garden and it is also harmful to humans, coming with instructions NOT to expose your skin to it or to look directly at the light. There are also a lot of Chinese UVC lights which are ineffective. I think I will stay with the organic "concoctions" as you call them but if they work for you then good luck to you.

[@peterturner1582]

@Fester Adams Sorry I searched elsewhere for lights available in Australia and this brand did not come up. Regardless, I will not be purchasing or using them as I do not deem them safe around my family. I will still use the proven "concoctions" which continue to work for me. Have a nice day!!

[@DeadeyeJoe37]

Hydrogen Peroxide works great. Just remember to apply it in the morning so the uv light breaks it down, or else it will burn your plant. This is probably the most effective fungus spray that will kill the fungus. You can then follow up with a preventative spray later.

[@sanctifiedbytruth6048]

Thank you! I’ll be trying the baking soda, dish soap, veg oil spray tomorrow! Our pumpkin patch is bad now with powdery mildew... hoping it survives. It might be too far gone, but this is our first year so it’s a learning curve.

[@delorespickles4708]

I trust your gardening advice and I am in MI so it’s all relatable. Thank you!

[@SarahSarah-nu8ce]

Agree! My garden is in much better shape thanks in part to Luke’s great advice.

[@CaroleHaddon]

Agree!!! Love this guy! I'm in Flint, quarter acre, growing lots thanks to Luke and also James from The Gardening Channel. By the way, JUST made pickles, omg yum! Happy Gardening, y'all!!!!

[@wmluna381]

@@CaroleHaddon Representing Clarkston, MI with a balcony grow out and prepping for a winter tent and hydroponic grow experiment. 😊💪

[@CaroleHaddon]

@@wmluna381 best of luck this winter! 😎👍

[@detroitgator1]

Wish he would actually respond to questions tho but I know he is busy with his 3 businesses

[@melissacee4574]

Thanks Luke. Fun Fact - a couple weeks ago I noticed my radishes were all chewed up - discovered cabbage worms - GRRRR. I googled organic remedies and read 2 Cups water, one whole lemon, grated, and dish soap. Mix in a jar overnight, strain out lemon and spray on radishes. WOW. do not do that. Yes it got rid of the worms but it sizzled all my radishes. I will try the BT this time. I love radishes and container plant so I can keep them out of the heat all summer long.

[@geanvincentalmendras1559]

melissa carson did you spray it during the heat of the day (when the sun was out)?

[@countrymonkOSB]

People, get off Luke's back about his faux pas about acidic/alkaline, etc. This guy busts his rear end, does a video almost every day, chock full of extremely helpful information, completely without a script! I dare any one of you to do the same thing and not make the occasional mistake or slip of the tongue... sheesh! Give the poor guy a break! It's not like this is a science channel or he's a Nobel prize-winning scientist. Good Lordy Lou!

[@henryrose6534]

Love your channel Luke! Just a a friendly FYI- baking soda is a base, not an acid. And don’t you worry about changing the salinity of your soil with sodium bicarbonate? After mixing with water you get a solution that contains sodium.

[@Markephillips77]

Just tried your baking soda mixture on my squash and pumpkin leaves and literally watched the powdery mildew disappear! I don’t think I’ve ever seen something work that fast!

[@julienhennequart33]

The problem with copper is that it is very remanent in the soil. In our vineyards, where I live in Bordeaux, the copper concentration in the soil is directly proportional to the age of the vineyard. For the ones that are more than 200 years old, the concentration of copper in the soil is high enough to be toxic to the soil biology and to the vines. Also, it is more toxic for humans than other non-organic sprays. For example, glyphosate, which is a controvertial herbicide, is less toxic and less remanent than copper.

[@peterturner1582]

That may be true but you are hardly going to treat fungal diseases with glyphosate. I use glyphosate on stubborn weeds but I paint it directly onto the weed with a small paintbrush so it cannot get onto my valued plants. I know many will attack me for this but if you can get rid of nut grass any other way I would like to know how.

[@Robie1canobie]

Peter Turner Ortho makes a product called grass-b-gone. I made kids to help me pull the grass and weeds, it used to be the only but effective method.

[@peterturner1582]

@@Robie1canobie Thanks but the problem with nut grass is if you just leave one tiny corm unweeded the problem keeps persisting. I tried to bribe the kids but they just spread it around so it's glyphosate for me I am afraid. I paint it on at the start of the Spring when they are just poking their heads out of the ground and over a period of three years I have eliminated it. I even covered the bed in plastic to try and solarize it over winter but up it popped again. I got it in a load of contaminated compost. I now only use my own home made compost so I know what is in it.

[@Robie1canobie]

Peter Turner well your not alone, there is a huge industry using the very same thing. My experience has been in order to kill that nutgrass you need use it like you say with a paintbrush and concentrated. It seems to be one of the plants Monsanto used for the roundup ready genes. The grass-b-gone kills it at a regular concentration and you don’t have to worry so much about overspray because it only kills grasses, monocots.

[@julienhennequart33]

@Fester Adams how do you put uvc lights over a big vineyard? it seems to be difficult and expensive

[@allpowerfulguru]

Thank you for all the information. I appreciate how you cover everything so thoroughly and respectfully of time!

[@eileenmcloughlin4778]

I am an organic gardener, also I REALLY ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS. Thank you very very much!

[@bcrouch2626]

What about 2 heads of garlic, 12 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper . Bring to a boil let set over night to cool. Next day add 2 small squirts of biodegradable dishwashing liquid . Shake well before each use. Should help to get rid of pests but don't over use. REMEMBER ITS HOT PEPPER BE CAREFUL

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

My child gardens with me... I’d avoid the hot pepper if you have kids or loved pets. 🙈

[@angbry8305]

@@paulreid7370 the deer here actually ate my cayenne pepper plants with red peppers on them.

[@jasons-jungle]

Baking soda is actually alkaline with a ph of 8 and not acidic. Milk is acidic (because of the lactic acid) with a ph slightly below neutral of around 6.8

[@jenniferwheeler1109]

I posted the same response 😆 glad I’m not the only one.

[@jasons-jungle]

@@unything2696 thanks for the clarification although he was talking about a solution

[@PyspherE]

There are many other really good pesticides that are organic. Spinosad and Bauvaria Bassiana are both biologic pesticides like BT. Diatomaeceous Earth is another great one. Rosemary oil, linanlool, cinnamon oil, and mint oils are also great organic options. I also have never had issues with neem or pyrethrin burning leaves even in full sun and high temps at proper application rates. Additionally, sodium bicarbonate solution is basic, not acidic and milk is very neutral so its more likely a biologic interaction with sunlight and proteins found in milk to create an anti fungal agent as opposed to being effective due to pH.

[@Robie1canobie]

Now this person needs their own show! Absolutely correct spot on. Better advice!

[@comanche3631]

Bauvaria Bassiana has been found to harm bumble bees and likely has potential to harm all bees.

[@NikolaTheScientistCat]

I am super happy this morning. We've had a lot of afternoon rain and started seeing a substantial amount of powdery mildew. We use the baking soda solution, and the next day the plant looks so much better!! Thank you for this great tip!

[@lisahayostek8149]

I'm glad you posted this. The rain has really done a number on my squash and they are covered in mildew. I just trimmed off the most affected leaves and yellow leaves and sprayed with the baking soda solution. I was amazed how much better they looked right away. How often can they be sprayed?

[@Tinyteacher1111]

1 gallon of water, 2 Tablespoons of baking soda, 3 drops of dish soap, 3 Tablespoons of vegetable oil. Copper sulfate - more effective, organic Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons in spray bottle of water Milk: smells, Neem: only early or late in season

[@lordsagat2503]

I spray neem oil heavily at night before bed once a week. The morning dew washes the leaves a little, I believe. Haven't had any issues yet. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the videos!

[@Qysdjjfdkm]

How did it go?

[@koalamama2]

I'd also like to know. I never had any luck with neem but maybe I wasn't using enough.

[@michellebarnhill5130]

Any updates on using the neem oil?

[@hossenfeffer8383]

I love your advice and your enthusiasm and dont mind at all watching through to hear everythhing you have to say. If I had a son, i would want him to be just like you.

[@ginamac9112]

Awwww that’s a very profound compliment. I’m inclined to think the same.

[@dancebunny2011]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.... I live in zone 7B and it’s very hot and humid, I tried neem oil, rosemary oil and peppermint sprays and they all burned the leaves of my plants. I am so happy you did this video it has answered so many questions I had. I no longer use the sprays after almost losing my cucumber plants due to the sprays and it’s recovering fine. Now I use the caption jacks powder and it’s doing great I have been fighting Vine Bores, Cucumber Beatles and Thrip and the powder worked great. No damage and bugs under control.

[@kathyearhart]

Thanks Luke! I always try to use mild solutions before stronger ones too!

[@jblardi317]

I just sprayed baking soda on my squash with powdery mildew following the proportions you mentioned about a week ago. Got rid of the powdery mildew but now the leaves are turning brown especially the edges. It looks like the leaves were sunburned, although I sprayed the leaves in early evening when the sun was almost down. My mistake, I should have test sprayed first and waited a couple of days before spraying the whole plant. Lesson learned!

[@beautyforashes2230]

I use all of these things too. I can verify they're very effective.

[@beautyforashes2230]

@Fester Adams I'd rather rely on my years of fruitful gardening experience than toss out money when there are better alternatives.

[@Mrsyeakley41]

What about pests such as kids... my 1 year old has already plucked 5 tomatoes and 3 melons 😂 I can’t seem to keep them under control! Lol

[@patuhlman9146]

Use a short wire fence. It will keep out small animals and children. I put mine up with rebar posts. Super simple cheap and easy.

[@doweordontwe238]

Duct tape works wonders

[@V0lk]

Spray them with pepper spray.

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

I spray water... set up a sprinkler near the garden and it seems to keep the kids from reaching the plants. 👍🏼

[@sydney2141]

If you spray, just use water 😆

[@Lee_music249]

No doubt you have a good head on your shoulders. But I'm pretty sure baking soda "sodium bicarbonate" is an alkaline substance, unless I'm missing something.

[@beautyforashes2230]

It is, and milk is acidic and not alkaline, due to the lactic acid. But both are effective because they create an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

[@tabbiealdrich6623]

Yep. It is an antacid which is why you can take it for acid indigestion

[@Lee_music249]

Don't eat milkweed...leave it for the monarchs. 👍

[@moonstone1573]

It is most definitely alkaline. That's why it reacts to vinegar, an acid.

[@oldcowbb]

@@moonstone1573 it reacts to acid because of the bicarbonate ion, it's not an acid-base reaction

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

1 tablespoons seventh generation soap, 1 oz copper fungicide, 3 oz horticultural oil. Per gallon. Bonide recommends that on organic apple orchards in fall and spring

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

@Fester Adams lol. Seen research but still believe in sunlight. And natural fats.

[@michelewestover9330]

Once again you posted what I needed at the EXACT time I need!!😂😂 Found powdery mildew on my zucchini plants this evening!! Ugh!

[@michelewestover9330]

@Fester Adams ??????

[@fingaz450]

Aye, I enjoyed your video! I appreciate the fact you're not just babbling on and on about other things in your life. You git to the point, and I found it very helpful. Thank you!

[@lindalarson6228]

Very timely. Never had such a problem with mildew on the zucchini before.

[@VeryMiley]

Agree - many gardeners, whether experienced or a beginner, do sometimes overdo remedial action when they see an actual and potential problem. I’m a beginner but trying to use methods like dish soap water to combat aphids, baking soda spray for powdery mildew, and finally finding the right flowers and plants for my climate, and then hopefully saving the seeds from those and planting again. Long process but seems the most natural. I can understand some people are either in a rush or trying to grow what they want regardless of whether it’s right for their growing climate.

[@CaroleHaddon]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I don't have a leaf with a hole, said the MIGardener... 💕💕💕

[@GospelOutside]

😂

[@1Mandible]

Love it😂

[@rosesez3428]

Was shocked to find that three sunflowers 🌻 🌻 🌻 that were diseased and were slated for being tossed had suddenly revived and were looking great - except for a couple of bottom leaves which were yellow & brown & wilting. But the tops of the plants looked great whereas yesterday the entire plant looked wilted. Also, the spray did its job but the high 100-degree heat didn’t help. We had had a lot of rain yesterday and the heat wave ended with cooler temps plus rain. I had removed the lower leaves which were diseased & sprayed the remaining plant with Neem oil. That had been a week ago! I had not given them time to bounce back so THANKS, LUKE! Looking forward a lovely harvest and feeding the birds who act as feathery critter eaters throughout the garden. You didn’t mention chickens but they’re great for bug control but can also damage plants by contact as they wander through looking for lunch. Organic gardening does also draw the neighborhood birds to your property and it’s so noticeable here that people comment on the number and variety of birds. Great info here 🙏

[@Ladythyme]

Oh WOW! I didn’t know that about Neem Oil..thank you for that advice! & All you do!

[@PD-qn7vm]

Thank you for talking about changing the pH level of the surface area of the plant leaves. And how these methods you spoke about kills fungus. That makes total sense.

[@cherrysheets9909]

I have been using milk and water spraying my impatiens flowers that got powdery mildew. I moved them away from other plants and diligently sprayed them. They look really good but I have to continue every few days.

[@susanjensen651]

Check out Milstop. It not only kills the mildew but then prevents it. Great stuff and organic. It works in African violets as well with no residue!!

[@ramseysealy8102]

You do a nice job. I am a horticulture instructor whose expertise is in low input and organic gardening. One issue in this presentation: Baking soda is NOT an acid; it is a base/alkali. It raises the pH, not lowers it. Also, you can use diluted Neem oil in the summer, if you're having a "emergency with pests." Bacillus thurengiensis bacteria, once ingested cause the insect's gut to loss its integrity and all types of fluids and chemicals flood into the pest's gut.

[@timnewton1073]

I've sprayed neem oil in the mid summer months for some pests for quite awhile, Never once had an issue, even with temps over 90.

[@50calorie82]

Where do you buy your Neem oil from ? Thanks :

[@BeerMonday1]

Spray at night and you will be fine using neem oil in the summer, don't spray during the day when the sun is out

[@50calorie82]

@Chris Turney where do you buy your Neem oil from ?

[@mimiohnine]

50 Calorie I bought Neem oil that was cold pressed from Amazon.

[@50calorie82]

@Ella Swick Thank you 🙏

[@kristenoberhauser8228]

Cucumber beetles are the exception for what you say. I find they need to a reaction at the first sign, but I use diatomaceuos earth to get the larva.

[@behindblueyes]

How do you use it? I'm hesitant bc it kills good bugs too and I'm already having pollination probs. But the beetles are beating me!! 😭

[@carpentryfirst3048]

Warning! I had some WPM on one of my pot plants. I bought organic "Safers" brand fungacide spray. Said you could could spray on vegetable and eat the next day. I sprayed over a month before I cropped it and I had to throw the whole thing out because it has this very unusual chemical, sulfur smell/taste. Lost over a pound on that plant. :(.

[@haleyblackburn3297]

Aside from all the awesome comments that really broke it down, I’m gonna do what he says to do because he knows EVERYTHING about gardening 😊

[@ljgrow]

I live outside of Portland Oregon in the Willamette Valley. I have a small garden plot (180sf) at the local community garden. Everything must be organic. I have used your baking soda mildew spray and it works great. I am mixing up a fresh batch for this year and will apply it this evening. Question: I have a row of tomatoes and all are doing well except the Beef Steak. Its leaves are curling but green. However, just this week it started getting flowers on the top of the plant only. All other tomato and tomatillo plants are growing like weeds and have lots of set fruit. Do you have any ideas what could be wrong with the Beef Steak plant? Should I just pull it out? I have two Big Boy slicing tomatoes so I won't be missing out by not having this tomato in my garden. Thanks for your help!

[@victoryak86]

isn’t baking soda alkaline? i use it periodically as an antacid lol. That being said, i love your channel and follow your advice regularly. Thanks for another super helpfvideo.

[@Radjehuty]

Yes, Baking soda is a base, hence the chemical reaction when mixing baking soda and vinegar. Also milk is not a base but a very weak acid due to the lactic acid content.

[@steveegbert7429]

Luke, slow down my friend! Baking soda is alkaline, not acidic. The takeaway is changing the ph to slightly acidic or alkaline on the leaf surface makes it an inhospitable environment for fungus.

[@bobert59]

I spray a cultured lactic acid bacteria serum to prevent foliage fungal facilitation. Takes all the good stuff out of the milk for surface ph lowering minus the downside of milk sitting outside in the sun. Also great for a soil drench to break down organic material quicker.

[@wmluna381]

Is that a DIY concoction or something that is available for purchase?

[@RichGardenLife]

Great info I will definitely be trying some of these in my garden, I also used Organic Neem Bliss early in the season Nd late season work really good for keeping pests away..... awesome video 👍🏾

[@ShenelleKSmith]

He’s right neem oil is very Strong

[@RichGardenLife]

Shenelle K. Smith yeah it is I usually mix it

[@andread8169]

I just mixed some neem oil soap. Thank goodness I haven't sprayed it on anything yet.

[@RichGardenLife]

Andrea D Smart i usually wait till late August then I use the Neem oil with soap 🧼 , Work like a charm

[@danao1796]

I'm a new gardener and my tomatoes were struggling early in the season. So, I lightly applied neem once and it worked beautifully.

[@tammysummerfield183]

Thank you. Like what I heard Luke! Im in Central Fl. My biggest headache ....... ants. Black and Red FIRE ANTS. Because if them I’ve never been able to grow big tomatoes of any kind! The only kind Ive succeeded in growing is grape tomatoes. The deer 🦌 on our land, help me keep overgrowth from happening HAHAHAHAHA. Ive actually communicated (hahahahaha) with them. “If you all will be kind and not destroy my tomato plants, I’ll share with you. Its worked for 3 years now. Soooo I like your more natural approach to gardening !

[@mplslawnguy3389]

I've always thought fungal issues had to be dealt with before they show up on a plant. Once they're there, they're there. You spray to prevent them when you think the conditions are right for them to show up, not after they've already shown up.

[@Robie1canobie]

Right! Rather than waiting for an infestation. Once PM really gets ahold it’s just not going to go away even with heavy handed application.

[@ThePerimeters]

Hydrogen peroxide with water resolved that with my tomatoes. But I hit the problem very early. I used 2 tbspn with one gallon of water. Worked like a charm. But I also read it's best to not use baking soda at the same time. To wait three days then use the baking soda.

[@kele1264]

Very helpful, thank you. I like both the baking soda and the vinegar ideas best.

[@marknesser9602]

Hey Luke, I think you made a mistake when you said that spraying baking soda on leaves with powdery mildew will create an acidic environment that will kill the blight. You mentioned it just after the 7 minute mark. I think you meant to say Alkaline instead of Acidic?

[@Gingamom]

I agree. Baking soda is definitely alkaline

[@warriormamma8098]

Baking soda at Costco for 13 lb bag is about $8. Think it is the same at Wal-Mart & Sam's Club. Walmart has those giant bags in garden area near pool supplies. I use for lots of stuff. Arm pit scrub! Laundry. Garbage disposal. And of course cooking. A pinch in ground beef helps it not dry out during cooking. I did not know about using in the garden though so thank you so much!

[@DDiamondRRuby]

I've never found neem oil spray to harm my plants. Spray on a cloudy day or in the evening when the sun is not strong.

[@bwebster4835]

Same here. I use it around 930 or 10 at night and i haven't noticed a problem

[@motleydigger]

I use neem as well and cedarwood oil

[@skratch5628]

I like neem as well but I have to stay consistently spraying it to keep away aphids. I'm in southern Texas. Spraying at night I can't do cuz it's to humid as it is here

[@burntblonde2925]

One gallon water 2 Tablespoons baking soda 3 drops dishwashing liquid 3 Tablespoons oil (vegetable oil)

[@thebrunnerfamily192]

We are experiencing tomato blight for the first time. I let it go too long before trying hard enough to identify the problem. We might lose two of our really nice tomato plants before any ripen 😔 Will try the baking soda spray tomorrow. We defoliated all the affected leaves today. They look skeletal ☠ Wish us luck! ☀️🌱

[@thebrunnerfamily192]

So I'm not sure what it was exactly. A combination of blight and some kind of black mold that I think we inherited from the straw we used to mulch... whatever it was, we lost our entire garden. Yes, our ENTIRE garden. Quite possibly the most disappointing life experience I've had. Started everything from seed almost 6 months ago, had almost every garden problem you could imagine and pushed through each one with time effort and money, just to lose it all right before ripening and huge harvests. Salvaged some stuff and have pounds of green tomatoes in bags hoping they ripen. What a year...

[@katrinah1898]

😔

[@codegirl2069]

That's so devastating. I am sorry you had to go through this 😢

[@BrendaBodwin]

Very similar to what I use, the water, & the baking soda, as you do per gallon, but, I use 1tsp of dawn dish soap, and, 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar per gallon as well. Works great.

[@evemiranda3474]

Thank you for the information! How many times should the plants be sprayed?

[@bretthunt2510]

White fly's just keep coming back into my garden, it's like they are living in my compost bins throughout winter and just explode and multiply rapidly when spring comes along.

[@mrs.americanmade7452]

I hate whiteflies, they take over my beautiful tomato plants and never leave..... i wish I could prevent them from the get go

[@kickford]

Great video!!!, I've started using copper fungicide this year to help my pole beans and tomatoes. It has helped a lot. My question is, i seem to get blight or fungus every single year pretty bad. I have untreated apple trees near by that look like they have these kinds of issues also. What can i do prior to or after the growing seasons to limit the return of these heavy fungus problems. Thanks for the informative video.

[@yllkadoma5716]

I'm so happy to find someone from Michigan.Thank you for your advices.

[@t4cchi]

Haha! Epic! “Idk I don’t have any holes in my leaves”

[@dezrestorm8216]

Thanks for sharing this, Luke. I've stripped my cucumbers down due to powdery mildew and what leaves are left have a few showing signs of spots. I've got my sprayer ready to go for tomorrow morning!

[@chadmejeur9803]

Hi Luke, love your channel. I live in Georgia and doing organic. Using BT and only works on certain caterpillars which eat lettuce based plants. What about caterpillars eating tomatoes?

[@nicolepapole]

So super valuable! I have some aphids on my tomato plants and was going to grab some neem oil. I have tried spraying them off but they come right back. I will try the tape trick tomorrow!

[@ChelleyV0807]

Can you speak about spider mites? I’ve been fighting them all season and they have taken out about 5 of my plants from my raised bed.

[@rethastrom7391]

I am battling spider mites too!! One of the things I’m using is water in a sprayer with a small amount of Castile soap and a couple drops of peppermint oil. Seems to work, but have to repeat as soon as you see them again. This combo seems to work well so far. Pesky little critters!

[@virginialondono9007]

Thank you for your excellent information, specially for a newbie learning to growing. I appreciate being so detailed in letting your view not just know what to do, but WHY. Thank you

[@bcrouch2626]

What do you think of hydrogen peroxide and water wait 24 hours . On 3rd day use baking soda

[@danao1796]

This is what I do also. Works great

[@MA-mv7qz]

What proportions when you use for each of these? (Same as if you were only using one of them?)

[@Sonderonyt]

Following.

[@Littlesharky-h2s]

Check out the Rusted Garden KZbin channel! Gary has great recipes for hydrogen plants, baking soda, and others

[@michalolszewski1315]

A quick clarification. Baking soda is slightly alkaline (not acidic). The fungi need a slightly acidic environment and soda is neutralizing that.

[@Arcadia61]

There's absolutely nothing complicated with millilitres. It's soooo much easier than gallons and quarts and whatever you use. But I'll forgive you as you've given me loads of good tips along the way.

[@paulk5311]

so decimal system is easier than fractions for you. it would probably be easier for me too if i spelled liter as litre. lol i can do fractions in my head and need no calculator. let's say 2 Tbs per gallon. a table spoon is 3 tea spoons. that is 6 tsp per gallon. a quart spray bottle uses a fourth of that or 1.5 tsp. now if you go with milliliters here in the US you often need to convert the gallons to that first as most garden measurements that i know of is in gallons. i guess since you are not from the USA (based on your spelling of liter, or litre if you prefer) then your instructions may in fact be in liters instead. that would mean a TBS is roughly 15 mL. since i am american i have no measuring instrument that says 15mL so is much easier for me not to have to deal with trying to convert all that over. so for you it is so much easier. for me it does not matter. a liter spray bottle will still get 1.5 tsp if it calls for 2 Tbs per gallon. most bottles i see here have both standard and metric anyway.

[@jogordon1530]

I’m in Maryland and every year I have to deal with high heat, humidity AND heavy rain which just decimate my plants. I’m at a point I don’t want to garden anymore! I have tried the mixture to no avail and really don’t have money to keep buying organic stuff if the basic doesn’t work.

[@aarontaylor6464]

I used neem oil two days ago on my cabbage. Yikes- I'll let you know the outcome in a week.

[@SheenaShines]

I use neem oil mixed with gentle detergent & water, as long as the next day is overcast, it’s fine. I hope your cabbage is okay.

[@shirleyk623]

You would probably know in 24-48 hours. Just spray early morning or I prefer late evening after the bees have left the garden. Even though neem doesn't kill bees.( I just like to be doubly sure.) Good luck!😊🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@timnewton1073]

You'll likely be fine.

[@Littlesharky-h2s]

Neem oil WILL kill bees! Don’t spray when they are active! It will also kill butterflies and ladybugs! It doesn’t discriminate! Spray late evening when there’s no activity

[@shirleyk623]

@@Littlesharky-h2s I agree with you. I very rarely spray anything because of the beneficial insects. When people say that it doesn't kill bees on their videos I get irritated. Even though the website says it doesn't kill. It also says spray when bees aren't active. Read between the lines right? Anyone with common sense😳should know NOT to spray directly on beneficial insects. More people need to be know. Thanks for that. Here's hoping for good gardening and bountiful harvests for you.🦋🦋🦋🐞🐞🐞

[@cynthiaannblaha5127]

Initially I followed your suggestion to just remove the leaves. But it seemed that each day there were more. I tried the diluted milk but then it rained and rained and rained. We have had a lot of rain here in Southeastern Michigan. Last night I removed all the leaves I saw with the powdery mildew spots, especially the old leaves near the bottom of the trellises. Then I sprayed with Bonide natural fungicide in the late evening. It was premixed so I just saturated the leaves as directed. I haven’t noticed anything today but we are scheduled for heavy rain the next two days, then heat again next week. I fight this battle every year!

[@Littlesharky-h2s]

Luke-where the heck are you buying that expensive baking soda😂🤣. Should only be about $.50 a box

[@mickeemickee3713]

Dollar Tree 2 for $1.00

[@janew5351]

In Canada, dollar a box!

[@tbrown2302]

Oregon, $2 a box….. always depends where you are from.

[@DesertRose808]

@@mickeemickee3713 yeah so 50cents a box

[@leishacoaltrain9804]

$1.30 in Chicago. Went up .30 in a year!

[@davidmiles533]

I would like to point out 3 years ago you said, 1gallon: 3drops:1 tablespoon oil: 2 tablespoons baking soda. Less oil. I’m using the new measurements with hopes you didn’t make a mistake.

[@lisahayostek8149]

I think it also depends on your dish soap. I had to add more soap to get the oil to emulsify. Play with it until the oil doesn't float to the top.

[@Jerv291182]

You have a whole regiment to spray your plants? Do they follow a regimen when they do it?

[@SheilaLRP]

I was wondering if anyone would notice that.

[@jmburen8647]

you mentioned bag worms, If you break open the webbing, the birds will eat them as well.

[@andread8169]

Awesome info thank you! I wish there was a safe spray for wasps. They are super aggressive in the heat and won't let me near my greens during the day.

[@NaturallyGlo]

I've been spraying cayenne on the house and it's been great; only thing is it needs to be reapplied frequently

[@andread8169]

@@NaturallyGlo I'm all about anything that works and is safe! Do you have a recipe?

[@candyackley1255]

I have heard you can inflate a paper bag and put it in areas with wasps. They’re territorial and will leave. Worth a try, good luck!

[@DejaBanshee]

I have multiple different types, and they fly all around. I just leave them alone. Are you swatting at them? If they are taking something to their nest (spider, bugs, or wood), they can bump into you, but they're not trying to hurt you. They just have a little trouble with navigation when they're weighted down. However, they will definitely defend their territory if they have been "allowed" to build a nest that rarely has us around it (in trees, under eves, in sheds, cars that are rarely driven -- behind side mirrors on vehicles that actually are driven). Just my own observation and coexistence with them. Haven't been stung since I was a child, and grabbed a cherry tree branch to make way for my baby brother to walk between the two trees. I unwittingly grabbed ahold of the nest. They protected their babies.

[@andread8169]

@@DejaBanshee I live in the desert and they are protecting the water that pools in the shaded parts of my cabbages and other greens. They have a nest in a giant catalpa tree in my neighbors yard. We have mud daubers, paper wasps but the yellow jackets are the most aggressive. They will attack your face if you drink near them and they are desperate. They are right now with 100'+ degree weather and 23% humidity . I'd rather not kill a pollinator but I have to be able to access my own food.

[@nadinegaudet1870]

I absolutely love how you explain all the details. Hats off you are the best!!

[@faithdoucette6487]

Hi Luke, I just found your channel just I'm time! I saw your video on dealing with ants and I've laid down the cinnamon 👍 One other thing I need today is what you are calling "BT" in this video. I'm hopeful it would work on asparagus flies? They are currently in the larvae stage. My question is, where would one find BT? Do I just Google it and or ask for it at a local garden store?

[@AlpacaRenee]

Amazon has bt

[@agent8082]

Hi will BT work on hoards of grasshoppers. They eat the onions and even ate big wholes in my tomatoes. Cabbages and kale. TX

[@russellradwanski5771]

Hey Luke, what are your thoughts or experiences using diluted hydrogen peroxide as a spray?

[@charlenecullen2116]

I might have missed it but how often do I spray the baking soda mixture? Thank you.

[@RidaYash]

This year I have too much leaf minor and leaf cutting beetles. I don’t know what to use for these.

[@brookescott9598]

I think i do to. Do they make leaves look lacey?

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

He had s video on that too... if it’s just a little like one thread of lace I squish it. If it’s a lot on a leaf I remove the leaf and feed it to the chickens.

[@shirleyk623]

I think spinosad kills leaf miners. It is organic. I just pick the leaves off unless too much.. Are the leaf cutters bees? I've never seen them in Florida. Good luck!😊

[@RidaYash]

Brooke Scott Yes you can see yellow brown or clear tunnels in the leaves. If really bad then the whole leaf becomes brown and dies.

[@RidaYash]

Casey Clark I remove the leaves and that leaves me with no Swiss chard. The plants didn’t get a chance to grow up.

[@imafan2610]

Baking soda is slightly alkaline with a pH of 9. Copper sulfate or wettable sulfur is acidic. Good point that less is more. There is no reason to micromanage every little problem in the garden. And using household products are a lot cheaper than insecticides that may have to be stored and disposed of properly. I usually use water for most pests. I do use Sulfur (it has been around for thousands of years), and I don't use neem either, it gives me a headache. I use a butterfly net for the cabbage worms, I do use Bt, but mostly for the pickle worms what come at night. I have an insectary garden, a lot of geckos and a toad. They can handle most problems. I still have to deal with the snails, there are too many, and the birds.

[@KLRJamz]

Any recommendations for keeping insects like and off of my peach tree. I've tried duct tape. And neem oil but they ate through all my fruit last year.thanks.

[@charliewilliams8794]

Wow you could bag a few ive seen that but I dont have a fruit tree so im really no help but I did see them use bags on some of their fruit to keep pest away. I just seen no one answered your question so I thought I'd give what I know im sure someone else will have a better answer. Good luck

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. But I do use it for the purpose of irradicating fungus issues.

[@wideawake5630]

Love ya, Luke but a regiment is a military unit. What you've got there is a regimen.

[@lizjoe21750]

Thank you!!! Exactly! I was afraid to say something so again, thank you!!! 😊

[@flamom1]

Honestly I could use a regiment to come combat my powdery mildew 🥲

[@anitakinnear6735]

Thank you.

[@1fanger888]

Bicarbonate of Soda is basic; that is to say, it has an alkalizing effect. This is why bakers use buttermilk and baking soda to produce chemical leavening. Buttermilk is acidic, and baking soda is basic, forming the foamy aspect so useful in baking. I use bicarb to clean the battery top in my truck. It is basic, and so will neutralize all the battery cheese that forms on the terminals. Whole milk comes in at around 7 on the pH scale, which is considered neutral, depending on what the cows were eating. .