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How to Use Milk in the Garden: Secrets of Use for a Rich Harvest
17.05.2024 08:30
Every gardener dreams of a rich and healthy harvest. Sometimes, to achieve this goal, you have to look for non-standard solutions.
Milk is a product familiar to everyone. But few people know that this familiar drink can become a valuable assistant in the garden.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.
What is the secret of milk's effectiveness? How to use it correctly to get maximum benefit for plants?
Milk as a fertilizer: composition and useful properties
Milk is a source of valuable nutrients necessary for the growth and development of plants.
It contains elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, amino acids and other useful microelements.
Calcium strengthens the cell walls of plants, increasing their resistance to diseases and adverse weather conditions.
Potassium promotes active growth, flowering and fruiting.
Magnesium is involved in the process of photosynthesis, providing plants with energy. Phosphorus stimulates the development of the root system, increases the immunity of plants. All these elements contained in milk make it a valuable fertilizer for your garden.
Milk whey: a valuable fertilizer for the garden
Of particular value for plants is whey, a by-product of milk processing.
It is rich in lactose, which serves as a nutrient medium for beneficial microorganisms living in the soil. Lactic acid bacteria improve the structure of the soil, suppress the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and promote the absorption of nutrients by plants.
Thanks to these properties, whey becomes a valuable tool in the hands of a gardener who cares about the health and fertility of the soil.
Ways to use milk in the garden
Milk and whey can be used in the garden in a variety of ways, providing comprehensive care for plants.
Root feeding
Dilute milk or whey with water in a ratio of 1:10. Water the plants with this solution at the roots, avoiding contact with the leaves.
This method of fertilizing helps to saturate the soil with nutrients and stimulates the growth and development of the root system.
Foliar feeding
Dilute milk or whey with water in a ratio of 1:20. Spray plants with this solution early in the morning or in the evening, after sunset.
Foliar feeding ensures rapid absorption of nutrients through the leaves, improves photosynthesis, and strengthens plant immunity.
Soaking seeds
Soak the seeds in diluted milk or whey for a few hours before sowing. This will speed up germination and increase disease resistance.
Soaking in a milk solution activates vital processes in the seeds, preparing them for rapid and healthy growth.
Disease prevention
Whey has antifungal properties. Regular spraying of plants with a whey solution will help prevent the development of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, late blight, and black leg.
Pest control
Milk can be used to combat some pests, such as aphids. Dilute milk with water in a 1:1 ratio, add a few drops of iodine.
Spray the plants with this solution, paying special attention to the underside of the leaves, where aphids most often live. This method of pest control is environmentally friendly and safe for plants.
Precautionary measures
When using milk in your garden, it is important to take the following precautions to avoid negative consequences.
• Use only fresh milk or whey.
• Do not exceed the recommended solution concentration.
• Do not water plants with milk in hot sunny weather, this may cause leaf burns.
• Do not use milk to feed plants prone to fungal diseases, such as cucumbers.
Earlier we talked about what kind of water you need to water cucumbers with .
