How and why to spray tomatoes with milk with iodine and boric acid: recipe and advice from experienced summer residents
Almost all summer residents grow tomatoes in their gardens, despite the fact that the crop is often attacked by pests and susceptible to diseases. A harvest without loss can be obtained by spraying tomatoes with milk with iodine and boric acid.
The method allows you to grow tomatoes sweet and juicy without the use of pesticides. We will tell you how to properly prepare and use the solution to get a harvest without loss.
Why do tomatoes need this composition?
Tomatoes need proper care. Organic feeding of tomatoes has a positive effect on growth, fruit set, and plant health. The preparations are used as fertilizer and used in the fight against diseases and pests.
What does iodine do to tomatoes?
Vegetable growers use iodine as a means to combat diseases and pests. Thanks to its fungicidal properties, it improves nitrogen metabolism, replaces saltpeter, and serves as an excellent fertilizer.
The benefits of this drug for tomatoes:
- The first assistant in the fight against fungal infections.
- Positively affects the growth of seedlings.
- Plant immunity is strengthened.
- Flower clusters develop and the number of ovaries increases.
- The fruits ripen earlier and are filled with sucrose.
- Iodine deficiency is compensated. The lack of this substance weakens the growth of tomatoes, which is why the immune system suffers and the plants get sick more.
Feeding is carried out in three stages:
- The first time when the third and fourth leaves appear.
- The second is at the ovary stage.During this period, prepare a solution at the rate of three drops of iodine per bucket of water, pour one liter per bush.
- The third time is fertilized during the period of green fruits.
Note. Use only warm water to dilute the solution.
Milk
Raw milk contains macro- and microelements that are beneficial for plants. Among them are copper, iron, zinc, manganese, iodine, fluorine, selenium, lead, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium. It is an organic fertilizer and pest repellent.
Lactose and milk sugar, which are part of milk, repel insects. Milk sticks to plants and creates a thin film that prevents the penetration of pathogenic bacteria.
Attention. Milk cannot be used in its pure form, as this can negatively affect the plants.
The solution is made in the following proportions: 4 liters of water, 1 liter of milk, 15 drops of iodine. The plants are treated with the milk mixture every two weeks during the summer season.
Boric acid
Boron is necessary for the full development of tomatoes. With its help, plants absorb nutrients, macro- and microelements from the soil.
The effect of boron on nightshade plants:
- promotes long flowering;
- increases the number of ovaries;
- regulates the plant’s moisture consumption during fruit ripening;
- accumulates sugar content in tomatoes;
- an effective means of combating fungal diseases and pests;
- used as organic fertilizer.
Tomatoes are fed in two ways:
- Top dressing under the root. A solution of boric acid is diluted with water in the following proportion: 1 tbsp. spoon of boron in a bucket of water. Water one liter per bush.
- For root fertilizer, the solution is prepared in proportions as for root feeding. Plants are sprayed in the evening in calm weather.
Reference. Powder crystals are poured with hot water.
Foliar feeding is carried out three times per season:
- after planting the seedlings in the ground, spray for the first time;
- the second time - before flowering;
- the third - during the period of green fruits.
Indications for use of the solution
The solution is used as a fertilizer, and also as a means of combating diseases and pests. When using the solution, you need to remember that a lack of macro- and microelements is just as harmful as an excess. Use the product according to the instructions so as not to harm the plants.
In what cases to use the solution:
- the tops of the bush are pale in color;
- growth points are not formed;
- the plant does not bloom;
- few inflorescences or they fall off;
- fruits are not sugary;
- as prevention late blight.
How to prepare the solution
The proportions of the solution depend on the processing method. The first time, tomatoes are fertilized with less milk and iodine. The solution for root and foliar feeding is prepared in different ways.
Proportions and procedure
To prepare the solution, it is necessary to transform the boron crystals into a liquid state. To do this, one tablespoon of crystals is placed in a liter of hot water at 50°C. Milk and iodine are added when the boron has dissolved and the water has cooled.
Recipe for a solution for early root feeding
Dissolve 0.5 liters of sour milk, 2 ml of iodine, 10 g of boric acid in a bucket of water. Seedlings are fertilized immediately after planting in open ground, watered at the root with 0.5 liters per bush. Next, fertilize when buds form and green fruits appear. The amount of milk for the solution is increased to one liter.
Root fertilizer recipe
Foliar feeding is carried out when the leaves of the bushes curl or become pale green.To do this, make a solution. Per liter of water take 1 gram of boron, a liter of fresh milk, 3 drops of iodine. Tomatoes are processed every week until results are obtained.
How long and how to store the prepared solution
Organic preparations that are used in gardening are applied immediately after preparation. When the ingredients are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs. A solution of milk with iodine and boron is used immediately after preparation; it is not recommended to store it.
Spraying technology
To achieve the desired result, follow the rules of agricultural technology.
In the greenhouse
Tomatoes that grow in a greenhouse need less root feeding. Provided the soil is fertile, carry out one-time feeding after planting the seedlings.
Features of using the solution in a greenhouse:
- During processing it is necessary to ventilate greenhouse.
- Do foliar feeding three times a season, the last time at the green fruit stage.
- Fertilize at the roots once.
In the open ground
Tomatoes that grow outdoors in the garden are at greater risk of disease. A solution of milk with iodine and boron will help the gardener.
Specifics of using the solution in open ground:
- The first treatment with the solution is carried out after planting seedlings into the ground. This is prevention against pests and diseases.
- Root feeding is carried out three times a season: after planting the seedlings, when the buds form, the first fruits appear.
- Foliar feeding is done as needed - when yellowing and curled leaves appear.
Precautionary measures
A solution with boric acid is used with caution, since boron is a toxic substance. In small doses, boron is harmless to humans.
When treating plants with a solution of boric acid, follow the safety rules:
- work in closed clothing, use gloves, a mask;
- after work, wash your hands thoroughly;
- do not store the package with boron near a fire, as it is highly flammable;
- do not allow the solution to get into your eyes;
- use a mask to avoid inhaling boron powder particles;
- After use, remove any remaining solution.
Tips and tricks
A solution of boron, milk and iodine is prepared according to the following rules:
- Iodine is diluted in warm water.
- Do not use iron utensils to dilute liquids.
- For better absorption of the product, you need to spray the tomatoes in the evening.
- Apply fertilizers after watering.
Use of the solution for preventive purposes
The use of milk, iodine and boric acid in gardening helps get rid of the problem before it occurs.
The plantation is treated with a solution: liter of milk, 20 drops of iodine, 2 g of boron per bucket of water. This will protect your tomatoes from fungal diseases and pests.
Reviews from experienced gardeners
Svetlana: “I have been using a mixture of milk, iodine, and boron in my garden for many years. I treat all plants. Helps tomatoes bloom better and ripen faster. The fruits taste good, stay put and don’t spoil.”
Timofey: “The neighbors recommended treating tomatoes with a solution of milk with iodine and boron. The result was surprising. The vegetable began to hurt less, the ovaries increased. The harvest was bountiful. I advise everyone to try this wonderful remedy in their garden.”
Maria: “My grandmother used milk and iodine to control pests, and fertilized tomatoes with boric acid. Her garden harvest was greater than others.”
Conclusion
The treatment of tomatoes with boric acid with iodine and milk is unique.It helps to grow an environmentally friendly product. Tomatoes grow healthy, produce a bountiful harvest, and are stored for a long time. The ingredients are sold inexpensively in pharmacies and stores in the city.
It is important to remember that boron and iodine have a toxic effect on plants if the dosage is exceeded. Most solutions of iodine require a few drops, and boric acid - no more than 10 g. Following this simple rule will protect plants from poisoning and help them grow better.