How to Use Bleach As Garden Fungicide

Step 1

Scour non-porous garden pots, containers, flats and tools with a stiff scrub brush. Use hot tap water and liquid Castile soap or non-degreasing dish soap. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. A good cleaning is necessary because even though bleach is strong stuff, it can’t penetrate dirt and debris.

Step 2

Funnel 1 1/2 cups household bleach into a clean plastic 1-gallon milk jug to create an effective 1-to-9 garden fungicide. Mark the bleach level on the jug with a permanent marker so you won’t have to slow down to measure the next time you make the solution. You’ll get the best results if you mix a new batch each time you need garden fungicide.

Step 3

Top off the jug with cold tap water. Cap it securely, and shake to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Label the jug clearly.

Step 4

Soak non-porous gardening items in the bleach solution for at least 10 minutes. Wash well with non-degreasing dish soap or liquid Castile soap. Rinse with hot water.

Step 5

Apply a light coat of all-purpose oil to dry, disinfected tools to prevent them from rusting.

Step 1

Scrub terra cotta containers with a wire brush or scouring pad in hot water and liquid Castile or non-degreasing dish soap to remove fungal spores as well as salt and mineral deposits. If stubborn spots remain, scrape them off with a knife.

Step 2

Set the containers in a bucket. Cover them completely with a 1-to-9 bleach solution. Allow them to soak 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3

Wash the containers with soap and hot water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

Step 4

Put the containers in a bucket, and cover them with cool, clean water. Keep them there until you’re ready to use them. This hydrates the porous material so that it won’t wick water away from your plants.

Step 1

Fill a plastic spray bottle with a 1-to-9 bleach mixture when you prune or deadhead.

Step 2

Make all your cuts with clean, sharp shears.

Step 3

Spritz your tool with bleach mixture when you’re through trimming the first plant. Coat all surfaces thoroughly to the point of runoff.

Step 4

Wipe the liquid off the tool with a clean, soft cloth before moving to the next plant. This prevents the possibility of spreading undetected fungus and other pathogens from one plant to another.

Step 5

Pick up and destroy all trimmings right away. Pests and diseases are attracted to your garden by decaying vegetation. Don’t toss them onto the compost heap.