Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Please stop making and applying homemade soap sprays to control pests. 

For years I have been trying to convince home gardeners not to make and use homemade pesticides in particular sprays made from dish soap for insect control. A common response to my warning is, “It’s just Dawn dish soap, I use it on dishes I eat off of plus they use it on wildlife after oils spills, so it has to be safe for our plants.” These home gardeners refuse to believe the science based information I provide and instead choose to follow unscientific, unsearched claims they found on the Internet and in garden articles about making and using homemade soap sprays. 

 Homemade dish soap sprays might kill insects if you are lucky enough mix it so you get the appropriate concentration in the final product to be sprayed. There are probably more than a million different recipes on how to make homemade soap sprays at home. The recommended dilution rates vary tremendously from one recipe to the next. And they do not take into consideration the concentration or ingredients in the soap to be used. The result is that concentration of your homemade spray will likely not be diluted properly and therefore it little chance at being effective in killing insects. 

As a certified IPM Advocate for 9 years I spent a lot of time working at numerous retail nurseries. When gardeners would come into the nursery and ask me for a pesticide to control soft-bodied insects such as aphids I would recommend a proven, highly effective and university endorsed product sold at the nursery, insecticidal soap. The majority of gardeners told me that insecticidal soap does not work. They need something stronger. I always inquired if they made and used a homemade soap spray and every time the answer was yes, they made it themselves. Because their improperly manufactured homemade concoction used inferior and toxic ingredients of course it did not work. From their experience they assumed that store bought insecticidal soap also would not work. This was an incorrect assumption. Rarely could I convince them there was a quality and concentration problem with the spray they made and that if they used the store bought version it would be very effective. Instead they would purchase a much more toxic product that did more damage to the environment, beneficial organisms, and themselves and their family. 

The article "Dish Soap Can Damage Your Plants" referenced two university publications that recommend that homemade soap sprays should not be used for pest management. This lead me to several other university publications that also cautioned people to not make and use homemade soap sprays to kill insects for a variety of reasons. 

What I hope will discourage home gardeners from making and using their own homemade soap insect sprays is university research repeatedly indicated that HOMEMADE SOAP SPRAY ARE DAMAGING TO YOUR PLANTS

Need an explanation… Think about it, dish soap effectively removes oil, grease, and wax from your dirty dishes. So it only follows that when you spray your homemade soap solution on your plants it would also remove the natural oils and waxes that your plants have coating their leaves (you didn’t know the leaves were coated with natural oils and waxes did you). These natural coatings are vital to protect the leaves from pests and environmental stresses. Your homemade soap spray removes these protective barriers making it easier for diseases to attack and get a foothold on your plants foliage. Your action sets your plant up to get attacked, decline in health and possibly die. If that wasn’t enough the ingredients in your homemade brew are often damaging to plant leaves. You may not see visible damage, but the plant is weakened and without its protective coating making your plants much more susceptible and attractive to pest attack.

 These university reports explain how commercial insecticidal soap is very different from homemade dish soap spray and why the later is not designed for pest management and can cause plant damage. When you use a pesticide you should always read and follow label directions. Do your dish soaps have instructions on how to dilute and apply them for pest management – NO! 

The University of Connecticut’s UCon Home & Garden Education Center states, “Dishwashing soaps and detergents are designed to remove grease from dishes and may cause plant damage by dissolving the waxy cuticle on plant leaf surfaces. There is increased risk of plant injury with the use of dishwashing soaps and detergents (not labeled as a pesticide) when used as a spray.” 

Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center  explains that there is a difference between commercial insecticidal soap and your ordinary dish soap. “Commercial insecticidal soaps are a highly refined version of liquid dish soap. While you could make your own insecticidal soap mixture, there is a substantially increased risk of plant injury with them. Dry dish detergent and all clothes-washing detergents are far too harsh to use on plants because of all the additives in them. Some soaps and detergents are poor insecticides, and other additives in these products may be Phytotoxic (i.e., damage the plant.).” 

The University of Florida IFAS Extension’s article “Managing Plant Pests with Soaps" states, “Most dish soap products are not true soaps, but powerful surfactants called detergents. These products consist of synthetically produced detergents and other chemicals designed to strip grease and oily residue off cookware and other surfaces. These soaps work extremely well for cleaning and sanitation purposes. Directions for proper use can be found on a product label and the safety data sheet (SDS). If the company does not include uses on garden plants or as a pesticide then the product should not and may not be used as such. Dish detergents (e.g., Dawn®, Joy ®, Palmolive®) are not an organic alternative to pesticides and are not appropriate for pest control in organic or conventional gardening. They also frequently contain antimicrobial ingredients and can severely disrupt microorganisms (including beneficial insect-parasitic fungi) contacted by the detergent. The powerful oil-stripping properties of detergents and concentrated soaps are believed to severely disrupt the delicate layer of wax on the surfaces of plant leaves and fruits. Similar in function to our skin, a plant’s waxy cuticle is the primary mechanical defense against microbial, viral, and fungal invasion. The waxy cuticle also acts as a barrier against water and solute loss. If a plant loses this protective layer, it will lose more water by transpiration, and its foliage will dry out. Plants adapted to drought, low humidity, and strong sunlight (such as succulents) typically have a much thicker waxy cuticle layer to help protect against water loss and may be more susceptible than other types of plants to detergent damage.” This means homemade soap spray are particularly damaging to plants during dry spells (such as Sacramento’s dry summer climate). In particular your homebrew is more damaging to our expanding and appropriate use of water-wise/drought tolerant plants. 

The article from Florida also discusses the concentration issue when using homemade soap sprays as well as contaminants the products contain that the home gardener does not even consider. “Inconsistency in the application rate, or amount of soap per volume of water, causes many of the problems associated with using dish detergents and other soap products as pesticides. Recipes from gardening websites or homemade mixes can vary widely, from 1 tsp/quart to ¼ cup/quart, and often include other potentially phytotoxic ingredients, such as vinegar and alcohols. These recipes fail to consider the type of soap and safe application rates, environmental cautions, target pest type, and sensitivity of the plants.” 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in their article, “Control Houseplant Insect Pests Safely With Insecticidal Soap” states, “They aren’t simple detergents anymore to cut grease and grime, they now contain air fresheners, “power scrubbers,” anti-bacterial agents, fragrances, lotions and other ingredients. Most detergents also contain surfactants to reduce the surface tension of water and make it “wetter.” These added products may be phytotoxic to sensitive plants and cause their leaves to be deformed or discolored, or even die back.” “It is probably easier and less risky to purchase the convenient, effective and dependable commercial insecticidal soaps available at most garden centers.” 

The University of Florida article compares commercial insecticidal soap sprays with your homemade concoctions stating of the home brews, “They are often not as effective and pose greater risk of injury to the plant and environment.” Their article goes on to say that “Because detergents and other household soaps are neither designed nor labeled for use on plants or as pest control products, their use as a makeshift pesticide is not recommended.” 

 PLEASE STOP MAKING AND USING HOMEMADE SOAP SPRAYS TO KILL INSECTS AND MITES. I have provided you some factual information about homemade soap sprays and how damaging they can be to not only the environment but also the plants you are trying to care for. It is not just soap after all and it does not have pesticide recommendations on the label. 

 

 

Saturday, September 12, 2020

On Going:

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred episode podcast “045 Feed Your Soil – The Cool Season Garden Edition” interviews Steven Zien pedologist and soils expert who provides tips on what to do when ripping out your summer garden to make room for the fall vegetable and flower garden. Before you stick one broccoli plant or calendula flower in that space, you need to improve your soil. It’s tired! Discover how to you perk it your soil by increasing the amount of microbial activity that’s taking place in your soil, one of the secrets to a bountiful harvest of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The importance of testing your soil when making soil management decisions using inexpensive test kits, including pH and how to adjust the acidity and alkalinity of your soil are discussed. Steve explains how two tools will help you determine when to irrigate and how much to irrigate for healthy plants.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Ongoing:
Sacramento's Organic Advocate, Steven Zien retired from Living Resources Company and Our Water Our World (OWOW) “Healthy Soil- Happy Landscape” (aka: Stop Treating Your Soil Like Dirt) a 30 minute instructional webinar for your edification and entertainment.

Discover how you can create a healthy, living soil that will nourish your plants, yielding a bountiful, beautiful, pest- and drought-resistant garden and landscape. Healthy soil is the foundation of every landscape and garden

A healthy soil has physical, chemical, and biological components that must all be in balance. Soils sage Steven Zien will assist you in worming your way through your soil to determine its texture. Explore the vast underground pore spaces and the phenomenal diversity of life they contain that build your soil's structure that regulates the ability of your soil to drink and breathe.

You will comprehend the negative impact synthetic fertilizers have on plant and soil health as well as the environment, while learning how organic fertilizers feed the living soil that nurtures your plants, while benefiting the ecosystem. Finally, realize how to use a simple tool so you will know when and how much to irrigate

This short and informative webinar can be found on the Citrus Heights Water District website. Just scroll down to “Workshop #3: WaterSmart Foundation: Healthy Soil, Happy Landscape or view on youtube

Watch and learn about a few of the many mysteries that are taking place underneath your feet.

Friday, July 24, 2020


 Tuesday August 11, Wednesday August 12, Thursday August 13:
The Citrus Heights Water District is offering three FREE WaterSmart Webinars at Noon. If you spend any time out in your garden or landscape you cannot afford to miss these unique educational opportunities.

Tuesday August 11th will be all about the WaterSmart Foundation: Healthy Soil, Happy Landscape
https://www.facebook.com/events/1320083211716254.  Learn from soils expert Steve Zien how you can create a healthy, living soil to nourish your plants yield a bountiful, beautiful, pest- and drought-resistant garden and landscape. Healthy soil is the foundation of every WaterSmart landscape.

A healthy soil has physical, chemical, and biological components that must all be in balance. We will worm our way through your soil to determine its texture and explore the vast underground pore spaces and the phenomenal diversity of life they contain that construct your soil's structure and regulates the ability of your soil to drink and breathe.
You will understand the negative impact synthetic fertilizers have on plant health and the environment, and learn how organic fertilizers feed the living soil for nurturing your plants, while benefiting the ecosystem. Finally, Steve Zien will show you how to use a simple tool so you'll know when and how much to irrigate.

Wednesday August 12th WaterSmart Irrigation: The Soil and Water Relationship will be covered https://www.facebook.com/events/3997801010294449. You've learned about healthy soil. The next step for a WaterSmart landscape is to unite efficient irrigation strategies with your soil type. Water moves and acts differently depending on the soil. Learn how to use low-flow drip layouts that will work best for YOUR soil. Soil and water can work together to meet your plants' needs while managing your water use.

Thursday August 13th it is all about WaterSmart Show Stoppers: Meet the Plants
https://www.facebook.com/events/1241777859495147. Now that you have a great support team (soil and efficient irrigation) working for your landscape, you can choose plants that support your yard's own ecosystems! Plants that require less water and less maintenance to thrive; plants that provide a rich habitat for pollinators and birds; and plants that create beauty. Create a beautiful, beneficial, bountiful, pest-resistant and drought-buster garden with great plants!

Personally, I am particularly excited about worming my way through Tuesdays WaterSmart Foundation: Healthy Soil, Happy Landscape webinar and hope you will join me. I know all three instructors personally and all are highly qualified to lead these short 30-minute educational extravaganzas. This easily could be the best way you spend 90 minutes all summer while sheltering in place.

Register and get additional information simply by clicking the links above.
Do it today, do it now, before they fill up!
Why are you still reading this, go register already?
Working those days? That’s why we scheduled these webinars at noon, so you could participate while having lunch. Feed your stomach and mind all at the same time. What could be better?

 

Monday, June 22, 2020


Sunday June 28 from 9 am to 11 am:
Sacramento's Organic Advocate, Steven Zien retired from Living Resources Company and Our Water Our World (OWOW) will be a guest on Farmer Fred's garden radio talk shows from 9:00 am to 10 am on 1530-AM/93.1 FM KFBK and from 10:15 am to 11 am on 650 AM KSTE. With this weeks heat spell Fred and Steve plan to discuss mulch, it’s many benefits including keeping your soil and plants cool. We will also suggest some materials that can be used as mulch. Continuing with the heat theme we will likely also discuss the benefits of flame weeding, where it can and should not be used, and precautions to take when flaming. 
 
Have a growing problem or pest question? Call in and we will do our best to answer your inquiry.
 
As always, listeners will have a chance to win an exciting prize just by answering the Garden Grappler. If you can't listen live over the airwaves both programs will be available streaming live on your favorite electronic device. If you are busy during the broadcast, the programs will be also be available after the shows as podcasts. Links to the broadcasts and podcasts can be found at the
Farmer Fred's garden radio talk shows webpage. You will not want to miss Fred and Steve as they verbally torment each other for almost 2 hours while dispensing valuable horticultural advise. 

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Sunday March 15th from 8 am to Noon:
Sacramento's Organic Advocate, Steven Zien retired from Living Resources Company and Our Water Our World (OWOW) will be a guest on Farmer Fred's garden radio talk shows from 8:00 am to 10 am on 1530-AM/93.1 FM KFBK and from 10 am to noon on 650 AM KSTE. Fred and Steve plan to discuss Slow The Flow and explain what that means in your landscape, the upcoming 50th anniversary of Earth Day (Steve's personal conversations with the founder Gaylord Nelson prior to the first event), this years Earth Day theme Climate Action and how you can contribute to this cause in your own garden and landscape.
Have a growing problem or pest question? Call in and we will do our best to answer your inquiry.
As always listeners will have a chance to win a valuable prize just by answering the Garden Grappler. If you can't listen live over the airwaves. Both programs will also be available streaming live on your favorite electronic device. If you are out enjoying the holiday (Ides of March) the programs will be available after the shows as podcasts. Links to the broadcasts and podcasts can be found at the Farmer Fred's garden radio talk shows webpage. You will not want to miss Fred and Steve as they verbally tease and torment each other for 4 hours while dispensing valuable horticultural advise. 





Sunday March 21st from 8 am to 3pm:
Sorry, Postponed due to Coronavirus Pandemic.
The Showthe Flow Tour enables horticultural professional the opportunity to visit a variety of residential and public waterwise landscapes while learning from one-to-one conversations with experts (researchers, policy makers, horticultural professionals) who will share the knowledge, insight, research and experiences. Watershed-wise landscapes are far more drought and extreme weather resilient, thus requiring little to no fertilizers and pesticides. Literally, you can fight pesticide pollution and reduce stormwater runoff at the source, landscape by landscape, neighborhood by neighborhood.

Why be part of this tour?

·     Learn about the design, installation, maintenance, and management of regenerative landscapes -- landscapes that restore the environment and encourage long-term sustainability, increase biodiversity, and enhance resilience.

·     This is an opportunity to see a multitude of on-site water management and environmentally-responsible methods that can be applied to landscapes, regardless of size.

·     Understand the impact to and relationship between urban landscapes and local water bodies and the Sacramento River.

·     Each landscape is a mini-watershed, sequestering atmospheric carbon, preventing water and air pollution, restoring the hydration and life of the soil, attracting and supporting essential life into each landscape, reducing erosion control, and slowing the flow of stormwater to allow it to be absorbed into the soil.

·     Watershed wisdom recommends native and low-water use plants that are better suited to our local climate and conditions. Rain gardens, bioswales, and other water sequestration features that filter rainfall, irrigation and storm water through nourished healthy soils are featured in landscapes on the tour.

Horticultural professionals owe it to yourself and your business, staff, collaborators, suppliers, clients, and others to be part of the workforce that is taking action to improve our home, local and regional watersheds.