More Info on H2O2

As I've had a lot of interest on the H2O2 (based on my article "H2O2 to Oxygenate Plants," in the Late Summer issue of Bl-Herbs, at http://www.herbanmeadows.com/newsletter.htm), I wanted to give you some more information on its use in the garden.

As a further explanation for how H2O2 is in rain (thus making the plants greener and much happier), see the chemistry explanation below, excerpted from http://www.using-hydrogen-peroxide.com/peroxide-garden.html - I couldn't have said it better myself!

H2O2 in Rain

As rain comes through earth’s ozone layer, some of the molecules of water (H2O) pick up an additional oxygen atom (O), becoming hydrogen peroxide. Oxygen is O2, while ozone is O3. Ozone is very unstable - that third oxygen atom moves on easily. So the water has no trouble picking up some single oxygen atoms.

Hydrogen peroxide is also very unstable - oxygen is readily freed up to oxidize various things that it encounters (such as bacteria, viruses, mold, pollution…) In the process of oxidation, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is broken back down into water (H20) and oxygen (O).

Hydrogen peroxide will oxidize many kinds of pathogens and pollution, so it helps to clean the air, as the rain falls. I’ve read that there is currently less peroxide in rain water than was common in the past, since oxidizing air pollution now "uses up" much of the peroxide. (Hydrogen peroxide is always "used up" by the oxidation process.)

What Percentage Should I Use, and What Kind?
Though many purport using the H2O2 from the beauty supply store, I only use the food grade H2O2, as anything but food grade has stabilizers, additives, and impurities that are not suitable for ingestion (AND food grade is the only version approved by OMRI for organic use) - thus, I don't use it on my plants. When you buy food grade, it will usually be sold at 35%. I ALWAYS use rubber gloves when handling the straight 35%, as it is very corrosive and will burn your skin if you don't flush thoroughly with water RIGHT AWAY. As I said in the article, I dilute it down to 3.5% with the following formula:

1 ounce of the 35% H2O2: 11 ounces of DISTILLED water (NO spring water, as the H2O2 will react with the elements in the water and not your plants!)

Some articles talk about using it at 8%, which would be a little more than twice my formula (about 2.25 ozs 35% H2O2 with 11 ounces of water), but I've had plenty of success with the 3.5% - and it's more bang for your buck!

And again, the application rate I typically use is 4-8 ounces per gallon of water in the sprayer when I water the plants (using one of those sprayers you can get at Home Depot or Lowe's for applying fertilizer); the smaller the plant, the higher the percentage I use - it helps them grow, grow, grow! Also, if the bed is very thick, I'll use the higher rate, as well. For seeds, you can soak them in 1 ounce of 3.5% H2O2: 16 ounces of distilled water, or just apply at the 8 ounces rate above.

Locally, you can buy 35% food grade H2O2 at GardenWorks on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh (their Website is http://www.gardenwaves.com/), and I haven't found it anyplace else within driving distance (please comment in here and let me know if you know of someplace else!). I also order it from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply (http://www.groworganic.com/), but you really need to order it in bulk to be cost-effective in any way, as the shipping costs are HUGE due to it being consider a hazardous material.

Effects/Uses in the Garden
Many blogs and/or articles I've seen regarding people who've used it don't use anything but the H2O2 (including fertilizer). I use it as part of an integrated system of organic fertilizer, fungicide, and pest control - but I do have to say I use it the most, as it's the easiest to use, and it doesn't leave any smell behind (though I swear I can breathe better myself in the greenhouses when it's just been applied!). But it does do a great job as a general fungicide, and the plants grow in much, much faster (which is important if you're regularly cutting the herbs back for use!).

What amazes me the most is when using H2O2 on seeds. I've planted seeds that have low, low expected germination rates - like 30 or 35% - and gotten a germination rate higher than 90%! Also, the seeds typically germinate more quickly - I've had basil sprout in (and I'm not kidding) 3 days. Amazing!

Well, I think I've beat this one to death. Please feel free to post any comments or questions - I look forward to your feedback!