Hydrogen Peroxide for Your Plants

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is nothing more than water with an extra oxygen atom. What’s unique about it is that when diluted, it’s able to generate antimicrobial and oxygen properties. As such, it can supplement oxygen to your plants and aerate the soil around them. Though not considered organic, it’s safe to use in organic gardening, and it decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen!

Over-watering house plants can cause root drowning after 24 hours due to lack of oxygen. Adding hydrogen peroxide will get oxygen to the roots. Also, fungus infections are common in house plants. Instead of Neem oil or other fungicide, H2O2 porvides a more effective and cheaper alternative. Mixture rate is 4 teaspoons of 3% H2O2 to one pint of water. More than 4 teaspoons is not better, as it can burn plant tissue.

For planting seeds possibly contaminated by pathogens, heat some H2O2 to 140° and soak the seeds for 5 minutes. Then, rinse the seeds for one minute. To help your seeds germinate faster, soak the seeds in the diluted mixture for 30 minutes, rinse, and plant.

While not a fertilizer substitute, H2O2 can be used to strengthen your plants’ root system. The extra oxygen molecule enables plants to better absorb soil minerals and nutrients. Thoroughly mix 1 teaspoon of H2O2 with a gallon of water and pour into the soil around your plants.

To keep pests at bay, thoroughly mix 1 cup water and 1 cup 3% H2O2, put in a spray bottle, and spray your plants. It repels pests and kills their eggs. Be sure and spray leaf undersides. H2O2 will kill any bacteria developing on your vegetables.

To keep pathogens away from your plants, dip pruning tools in H2O2 before using and in between plants. Finally, 10% H2O2 is a very good weed killer.