Some years ago I wrote about the advantages of using aspirin sprays and drenches on plants we grow.
The article was well received at the time and a number of gardeners started using this interesting gardening practice.
A conversation I had with a gardener over the phone this week brought back the memory of the aspirin information from over 20 years ago.
Basically the reason why aspirin will help with gardening problems is primarily due to its active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, which is derived from natural plant hormones and can trigger beneficial responses in plants.
Aspirin was derived from a substance found in the bark and leaves of the willow tree.
The active ingredient, salicin, was used for centuries to relieve pain and reduce fever, with its properties later leading to the modern synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin.
Enhanced plant immunity: Aspirin helps plants activate their defense mechanisms earlier, making them more resistant to diseases and pests.
So what are the advantages of aspirin?
Improved seed germination: Soaking seeds or watering them with diluted aspirin solutions can increase the germination rate, resulting in stronger seedlings also add a little Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) as well.
Increased growth and yield: Aspirin-treated plants tend to be larger, have better fruit and flower production, and show improved overall health and vigor.
Better stress tolerance: When applied either through soil drenching or foliar sprays, aspirin can help plants withstand environmental stresses such as drought and heat.
Longer-lasting cut flowers: Aspirin inhibits hormones that cause rapid death in cut flowers, prolonging their freshness so popping a bit of an aspirin into your vase water is an old tip also used on freshly cut pine trees as Christmas Trees..
To make an aspirin spray for garden plants, dissolve one regular, uncoated aspirin tablet (300 mg) in 4 liters of water, mix thoroughly, and use a spray bottle to apply it to the leaves every two weeks.
In NZ only one type I see has 300mg most have 100mg so need to use 3 tabs.
It’s good practice to add 40 mils of MBL and 4mils of Wallys Raingard to help the solution stick to plant leaves, for overall best results.
In a trigger sprayer kept out of light when not in use the mix will last nicely between uses till used up and then make a fresh batch.
As a soil drench it is two 300 mg into 4 litres of water with 80mils of MBL added. (Do not add Raingard) water into the root zones of plants nonce a month that you want to improve or on perennial plants and trees twice a year, spring and autumn.
The best timing to apply aspirin spray on tomato plants is every 10 to 14 days, starting when plants are healthy and established (about 18 to 24 inches tall, or a few weeks after transplanting).
Begin applications before common diseases and pests tend to appear in your garden, which is typically early summer, and continue throughout the growing season, stopping just before harvest or when disease risk drops.
Apply the first aspirin spray two weeks after planting or when plants reach approximately 18–24 inches in height.
For your tomato plants using the above spray products (Aspirin, MBL and Raingard)
Spraying is best done in the early morning or evening to avoid leaf burn and maximize absorption.
Four sprays at 10-day intervals, starting two weeks after planting, is supported by research for optimal disease prevention.
Continue with regular feeding of Wallys Secret Tomato food with Neem Granules and care alongside aspirin spray routines.
This schedule helps prime the plant’s defenses before threats arrive, leading to stronger, more resilient tomato plants throughout the season.
If you want to increase the sweetness of the fruit occasionally add some Wallys Mycorrcin to the spray.
Now here is the clincher from my conversation with the gardener that brought up the subject of aspirin.
He told me that last season a friend grew two plots of garlic one of which he sprayed the foliage every 2 weeks starting after he has a good show of foliage using the combination sprays above. (Aspirin, MBL and Raingard)
The other plot he used as a control and did not use the combined aspirin spray on their foliage.
Results were, unsprayed got the dreaded garlic rust and the treated crop did not.
Thus if you are growing garlic this season best you use the aforementioned products and start a spray program now before rust strikes later. (Adding mycorcin to the spray will help create larger bulbs).
I would also suggest the you also spray the foliage of stone fruit with same to help with curly leaf disease and add to the spray Wallys Copper Nutrient which also helps.
If all that does not help then for yourself; take two aspirin and put your feet up and have your favourite drink on hand.
Image credit: Karolina Grabowska
Products mentioned are from Wallys Range of products and can be found in some garden shops or by Mail Order on www.0800466464.co.nz
Problems ring me at: Phone 0800 466464
Garden Pages and News at www.gardenews.co.nz
Shar Pei pages at www.sharpei.co.nz
Mail Order products at www.0800466464.co.nz
