Brown patch - Ask Extension
I have read that a mixture of baking soda can be used to combat the brown patch fungus in my lawn. Is this recommended, and if so, what would be the n...
Knowledgebase
Brown patch #797579
Asked June 24, 2022, 9:31 AM EDT
I have read that a mixture of baking soda can be used to combat the brown patch fungus in my lawn. Is this recommended, and if so, what would be the next step after treatment to restore the lawn?
Henrico County Virginia
Expert Response
Baking soda is not a fungicide and should not be used to treat brown patch in lawns.
Our recommendations for chemical control can be found on page 9 of this extension publication: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/430/430-532/430-532_pdf.pdf . Note that fungicides are preventative, not curative. So it will help prevent the disease from spreading to uninfected portions of the lawn. It will not cure the patches that exist.
typically, in our area, by the time you notice brown patch, the conditions for it to thrive are gone. Also, brown patch typically does not kill the plants outright, so you should see the patch rebound. You may need to add extra seed to the patches in the fall when you aerate and overseed. Do not add any fertilizer to "help it" that can only make the problem worse.
Our recommendations for chemical control can be found on page 9 of this extension publication: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/430/430-532/430-532_pdf.pdf . Note that fungicides are preventative, not curative. So it will help prevent the disease from spreading to uninfected portions of the lawn. It will not cure the patches that exist.
typically, in our area, by the time you notice brown patch, the conditions for it to thrive are gone. Also, brown patch typically does not kill the plants outright, so you should see the patch rebound. You may need to add extra seed to the patches in the fall when you aerate and overseed. Do not add any fertilizer to "help it" that can only make the problem worse.
