Many gardeners rightly fear powdery mildew in the garden. This fungal disease can affect many plants and weakens them. This can lead to crop failure, but also to the death of plants in the garden. That's why it's important to combat mildew effectively.
How does potassium hydrogen carbonate work against mildew?
Potassium hydrogen carbonatechanges the pH value on the surface of the leaves. Mildew fungi, especially powdery mildew, require a neutral environment with a pH value of around 7. At higher pH values, whether acidic or basic, the fungus dies in the long term.
How do I use potassium hydrogen carbonate for mildew?
Potassium hydrogen carbonate is usedas a pointed solution with a concentration of 0.5% against mildew. To do this, mix 5 grams of potassium bicarbonate with one liter of water. Dissolve the crystals well and then pour the solution into a squeeze bottle. The affected plants can then be treated with the solution. However, this should not be done in direct sunlight and strong heat. It is ideal to remove the affected parts of the plant before treatment.
When should I use potassium bicarbonate?
Potassium hydrogen carbonate can be used bothpreventively and in the case of acute infestation. If you had problems with powdery mildew on your plants in the previous year, you should use potassium hydrogen carbonate as preventatively as possible the following year. As a natural fungicide, it works just as well as wet sulfur against fungi. The substance is even approved as a pesticide for organic vegetable cultivation. That's why it is very suitable for combating powdery mildew in vegetable patches and fruit.
Does potassium hydrogen carbonate also work against downy mildew?
Potassium hydrogen carbonate isonly suitable for limited use for downy mildew. Both plant diseases are based on different fungi as pathogens. While the slime molds of powdery mildew are attacked by an alkaline environment, this effect is significantly lower for downy mildew.
Tip
Baking powder or baking soda as a substitute
The pH value of potassium bicarbonate is approximately 8.5. As an alternative, you can also use sodium bicarbonate. This is in both baking powder and baking soda for baking. The pH value of sodium bicarbonate is slightly basic at 8. That's why baking powder or baking soda can help against powdery mildew when used multiple times.
