Did you know that in addition to being used as an antiseptic and bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the medicine cabinet can also be used for other purposes? Most people do not know that hydrogen peroxide can be used to accelerate plant growth in the garden. This material has different benefits and applications in each growth phase because it has antimicrobial and oxygen-producing properties. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in the garden to kill bacteria (disinfect), accelerate plant growth, and ward off pests.
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Method 1 of 3: Disinfecting Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Clean pots and utensils
Spray or rub a 6%-9% hydrogen peroxide solution on the pot or utensil to be used. You can also dip the equipment in the solution when pruning the plant. This will kill germs and bacteria on the equipment and minimize the risk of contamination from other pathogens and plants.
- Buy peroxide for medicinal purposes or safe to eat (food-grade). You may have to dilute it before use.
- Be careful when you use hydrogen peroxide solutions with more than 10% content. This solution can burn the skin and plant tissue.
Step 2. Sanitize water in hydroponics
Hydroponic plants that grow in water are often attacked by bacteria, root rot, and lack of oxygen. Add about 2.5 tsp. hydrogen peroxide for every 1 liter of hydroponic water. It can eradicate fungi and bacteria, prevent root rot, and stimulate oxygen circulation. In this way, your hydroponic plants will thrive.
Step 3. Sanitize the grain
Soak the new grains in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution heated to 60 °C for 5 minutes. After soaking in the hot solution, wash the seeds under running water for about 1 minute. This can prevent contamination from food-borne illnesses, such as E. coli, salmonella, or listeria.
Step 4. Sterilize the growing media
Soak the growing medium (eg soil or sand) in a 3%-6% hydrogen peroxide solution. Let the planting medium soak there for one night. Turn the planting medium 1 or 2 times to spread the solution throughout the growing media. This can kill bacteria, fungi or mold, and worms and their eggs.
Method 2 of 3: Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Accelerate Plant Growth
Step 1. Accelerate seed germination
If the seeds that have been cleaned (from disinfectants) are placed in the planting medium, the seeds are ready to grow or germinate. When planting seeds, add a 3% peroxide solution to the soil. Adding oxygen can speed up germination and improve overall plant health. It can also reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
Use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to water the garden beds for up to 2 weeks after the seeds are planted
Step 2. Use hydrogen peroxide to fertilize plants
Mix 2 tsp. hydrogen peroxide for every 4 liters of water to fertilize plants. Spray or pour this mixture on potted plants and gardens every 3-5 days or as needed. It can maintain soil health, make it easier for plant roots to breathe, and help plants to absorb important nutrients.
Step 3. Accelerate root development
Mix 1/2 liter of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 4 liters of water. Water the entire plant until the roots are thoroughly wet once a week. This will provide a lot of oxygen to the roots, which can promote plant growth at every stage of its life.
Use this mixture to water plant roots from cuttings and bare roots (without growing media)
Method 3 of 3: Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Repel Pests
Step 1. Treat yeast infection
Use a spray bottle to mix 4 tbsp. 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 liter of water. Spray this mixture on the leaves and roots of plants affected by fungal infections. Some types of fungal infections that can be treated include powdery mildew, leaf rust, and fungus.
Spray on a small area before you apply a large amount on a larger surface. This can prevent chemical burns on plant tissues
Step 2. Treat bacterial spoilage
Spray or pour a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water with an antifungal (benomyl) on plants experiencing root rot. Moisten the plants so that this mixture removes dead and stagnant water, and replaces it with fresh, oxygenated water. This can stop bacterial infections (including root rot), which normally cause fruit, bulbs, flower buds, and plant weeds to rot into pulp.
Dip the bulbs and plant tubers in this mixture when you prepare them for storage. This can prevent bacterial infection
Step 3. Get rid of weeds
Pour a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution on weeds that appear between concrete, paving, or brickwork. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to stick to the plant to scorch it. After that, clean the dead weeds by hand. This can kill weeds in the garden and prevent them from growing back. This solution is also a natural weed repellent that does not contain chemicals.
- Use hydrogen peroxide in the late afternoon or early morning to prevent sunlight from breaking down the solution too quickly.
- Do not pour the solution on weeds in pots or plant beds. In addition to scorching weeds, the solution will also kill your plants.
- Immediately rinse the affected area of the body using cold water.
Step 4. Repel insects
Mix 1 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide with 250 ml of water to repel pests that attack plants. This can significantly reduce the number of insects present in the garden. This solution can also eradicate the eggs and larvae of moths, as well as other harmful pests.
