Beneficial Soak, Drench, or Spray for Tomatoes

Introduction

• Discussion on a beneficial mixture for rapid tomato growth.
• Applicable to other plants, but focus on tomatoes.
• Importance of keeping a record of garden formulas and results.

Ingredients and Benefits

• Main Ingredient: Plain, unsweetened yogurt (no flavors or sugar).
  • Contains probiotics beneficial for soil microbes.
  • Helps prevent powdery mildew and root rot.
  • Boosts plant growth significantly, potentially doubling or tripling tomato yields.
  • Provides calcium, phosphorus, and trace elements.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Boosts plant immunity, making them more resistant to stress, diseases, and insects.
  • The formula's acidity helps prevent diseases like powdery mildew and blight on leaves and stems.

Application Overview

• Three ways to use the formula:
  1. Foliar Spray
  2. Soil Drench
  3. Seedling Dip

Detailed Recipes and Application

1. Soil Drench

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsweetened yogurt
  • 1 gallon of rainwater (or chlorine-off-gassed tap water)
• Method:
  • Mix yogurt into water using a paint stick.
  • Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then stir again.
  • Apply directly at the plant base every 2-4 weeks.

2. Foliar Spray

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsweetened yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon Castile soap or neem oil
  • 1 gallon of rainwater or off-gassed tap water
• Method:
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly.
  • Use a mason jar to shake well and ensure no yogurt solids before pouring into sprayer.
  • Apply in early morning or late afternoon.
  • Helps prevent fungal infections.

3. Seedling Root Dip

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1 quart of rainwater or off-gassed tap water
• Method:
  • Shake well.
  • Dip seedlings halfway into the mixture.
  • Introduces beneficial bacteria for stronger growth and disease resistance.

Compost Enhancement

• For every 5 gallons of compost:
  • Mix in 1/2 cup yogurt.
  • Speeds up decomposition and microbial activity.

Blossom End Rot Prevention

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 gallon rainwater
  • 1 tablespoon Epsom salt (non-fragranced)
  • 1 tablespoon bone meal or powdered eggshells
• Method:
  • Mix and use as a soil drench.

Soil Enricher

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or molasses
  • 1 tablespoon worm castings
• Method:
  • Mix and apply to enrich the soil.

Storage Tips

• Mixtures last 24-48 hours at room temperature.
• Can refrigerate for up to 3 days but use quickly for best results.

Additional Notes

• Priority given to questions from subscribers.
• Emphasizes the importance of using the mixture soon after preparation due to limited shelf life.