3 Tricks I Wish I Tried Sooner (No One Talks About #2)

Summary

In this video, Ashley, a soil science expert and experienced gardener, shares three science-based gardening hacks that can dramatically improve productivity. She discusses how milk can fight powdery mildew, the benefits of using aspirin to boost plant immunity, and the surprising trick of using panty hose to protect plants from cutworms. Ashley also offers a bonus tip for hardening off plants using simple containers. With years of experience in agriculture, Ashley blends practical knowledge and scientific research to offer unique, cost-effective gardening solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Using milk (10% milk, 90% water) as a spray helps prevent powdery mildew on plants like zucchinis and peas.
• 😀 Milk interacts with sunlight to kill fungal spores, making it an effective and natural fungicide.
• 😀 Skim milk is preferred over cream for this spray because it contains less fat, which isn't beneficial for preventing mildew.
• 😀 Apply the milk spray in the morning to ensure sunlight exposure, and use it preventatively before mildew appears.
• 😀 An alternative to hardening off plants is using plastic containers (like yogurt or coffee containers) to shield them from temperature fluctuations and sun exposure.
• 😀 Aspirin dissolved in water provides plants with salicylic acid, which helps them overcome stress factors like drought, pests, or transplant shock.
• 😀 The salicylic acid in aspirin triggers systemic acquired resistance in plants, boosting their immunity against diseases.
• 😀 Use regular, non-coated aspirin and crush it into a gallon of water to spray plants weekly for best results.
• 😀 Wrapping plant bases with pantyhose or tin foil helps protect them from cutworms, which attack at the soil line.
• 😀 Pantyhose or tin foil should be placed 1-2 inches above and below the soil level to effectively prevent cutworm damage.
• 😀 The container trick not only protects plants but also suppresses weeds and makes watering easier by focusing on the plant roots.

Q & A

Why does spraying milk on zucchinis help prevent powdery mildew?

Spraying milk on zucchinis helps prevent powdery mildew because milk, when exposed to sunlight, forms a compound that kills fungal spores. This reaction, known as a reactive oxygen species, weakens the spores, effectively controlling the fungal growth.

What is the recommended ratio of milk to water for preventing powdery mildew?

The recommended ratio is 1 part milk to 9 parts water. This creates a 10% milk solution, which is effective in killing the fungal spores responsible for powdery mildew.

Can expired milk be used for the spray solution?

Yes, expired milk can be used for the spray solution. In fact, the speaker suggests using expired milk, especially by freezing it into ice cubes and adding it to water, which makes it a cost-effective option.

Why is it recommended to apply the milk solution in the morning?

It is recommended to apply the milk solution in the morning to ensure that the plants are exposed to sunlight throughout the day. This helps activate the sun's effects on the milk, enhancing its ability to fight off mildew.

What are the benefits of using aspirin for plants?

Aspirin, through its active ingredient salicylic acid, helps plants overcome stressors such as drought, heat, pests, disease, and mechanical damage. It activates a plant's immune system, boosting its defense against harmful factors.

How should aspirin be applied to plants for maximum benefit?

To apply aspirin, crush one regular aspirin pill and dissolve it in one gallon of water. Spray this solution on plants once a week. Be careful not to use coated or slow-release aspirin, as this can lead to harmful effects on the plants.

What risks are associated with using too much aspirin on plants?

Using too much aspirin can lead to phototoxicity, which manifests as leaf burn. It's important to use the correct dosage to avoid this damage while still reaping the benefits of the salicylic acid.

What is the purpose of using buckets or containers with cut bottoms in the garden?

The purpose of using buckets or containers with cut bottoms is to shelter transplanted plants from extreme weather conditions like intense sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations. This trick helps plants acclimate faster without the need for hardening off.

What other items can be used in place of a bucket to shelter plants?

Other items that can be used include plastic containers, coffee canisters, yogurt containers, and even cedar shingles. These provide shelter for the plants in a similar way to buckets, helping them thrive in their new environment.

How does wrapping plants in pantyhose protect them from cutworms?

Cutworms are deterred by pantyhose or tin foil because they create a physical barrier around the base of the plant, preventing cutworms from accessing the plant at soil level. The pantyhose or tin foil needs to cover at least 1-2 inches above and below the soil level to be effective.