milk bath for plants - Ask Extension
I learned about using a milk bath to fertilize plants and prevent powdery mildew. The information I found suggests a 1 to 2 ratio of milk to water. Th...
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milk bath for plants #878345
Asked July 22, 2024, 8:50 PM EDT
I learned about using a milk bath to fertilize plants and prevent powdery mildew. The information I found suggests a 1 to 2 ratio of milk to water. The solution is sprayed on the plant and put in the soil. Is this a good practice? Does it attract insects?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
There is some supporting evidence that full-fat milk can help suppress powdery mildew, BUT it must be applied early in the season before infection occurs. At this point in the season, if the leaves are powdery white, infection has already occurred. It will only prevent new infections. Using it in the heat of the summer can have some downsides, including smell and possible encouragement of other microorganisms. So it's worth trying, but will be most effective next year.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/milk-and-roses.pdf
It should be pointed out that using milk in this manner would be considered using it as a pesticide, and milk has not been regulated (nor approved) by the EPA for use as a fungicide; therefore it would be illegal.
As for using milk as a fertilizer, I am unable to find any supporting studies for gardens (there are some for farms). I would suggest that you use your favorite commercially produced fertilizer (whether organic or synthetic), as the nutrients and mixing ratios are consistent. Using milk as a fertilizer, again, can lead to bad odors. I would also question if using milk is cheaper than available fertilizers?
There is some supporting evidence that full-fat milk can help suppress powdery mildew, BUT it must be applied early in the season before infection occurs. At this point in the season, if the leaves are powdery white, infection has already occurred. It will only prevent new infections. Using it in the heat of the summer can have some downsides, including smell and possible encouragement of other microorganisms. So it's worth trying, but will be most effective next year.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/milk-and-roses.pdf
It should be pointed out that using milk in this manner would be considered using it as a pesticide, and milk has not been regulated (nor approved) by the EPA for use as a fungicide; therefore it would be illegal.
As for using milk as a fertilizer, I am unable to find any supporting studies for gardens (there are some for farms). I would suggest that you use your favorite commercially produced fertilizer (whether organic or synthetic), as the nutrients and mixing ratios are consistent. Using milk as a fertilizer, again, can lead to bad odors. I would also question if using milk is cheaper than available fertilizers?
