How often do you guys use hydrogen peroxide when watering? It keeps the bugs down and my brugs like it but I don't want to do it too often. Any suggestions?
H2O2
I've never come across anyone who uses it on a regular basis since there is a fine line between any possible benefits and oxidation damage to the roots.
If your intent is to provide more oxygen, then you can achieve the same goal without the damages by using a lighter soil mix or by adding 1 part perlite to 2 parts regular soil mix. If you are seeing large numbers of minute bugs on the soil surface, then cut back on the amount of water you are using and keep the soil on the drier side. The bugs are indicative of an overwatering condition and not the problem itself.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but how do you know that your "brugs like it". We tend to humanize and give plants and animals feelings they are incapable of showing. They simply respond to conditions. I think you can achieve the same healthy growth by addressing the problems rather than masking them with H2O2 and risk root burn.
The only time I use H2O2 is if I think a plant has root rot from over watering.
Wow. I'm so glad I asked. I read that it helped keep bugs down so I used it once.
bettydee - I guess what I was trying to say was that they didn't show any signs of not liking it. I confess, I talk to my plants and try to understand what their reaction to stimulus is telling me. I'm an old lady and enjoy being a bit eccentric. Maybe they hear me, maybe they don't. I like the feeling of trying to reach out.
I have used it for misting while waiting for germination. Stops any fungus.
I use h2o2 for various reasons in my gardening. I use it to battle root rot and fungus gnats. While my cats and I kill the adults, the peroxide water mix helps battle the larva in the soil. I keep the treatments minimal though. I start with one treatment and then apply a secondary treatment a week or so later.
I occasionally use it in seed starting by using a diluted mix to soak the seeds or mist soil. I'm starting to favor chamomile tea when it comes to misting though.
I prefer to use a strong solution of chamomile tea myself. It's not harmful if the solution is too strong whereas H2O2 can burn if the solution is too strong.
bettydee I have a chart I follow for hydrogen peroxide so I don't use to much. I often like chamomile because I can adjust it without panicking.