To make a foliar spray, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Water: Start with 10 gallons of water. It’s important to use clean water, free from any contaminants that could harm your plants.
2. Compost Tea Catalyst: Add 7 tablespoons of Compost Tea Catalyst from Growing Solutions. This catalyst helps to activate and enhance the beneficial microorganisms in the compost tea, providing your plants with a boost of nutrients.
3. Liquid Calcium: Incorporate 10 tablespoons of 5% Liquid Calcium into the mix. Before adding calcium, it’s crucial to conduct a soil test to determine if your plants actually need it. Calcium can help improve soil structure, strengthen plant cell walls, and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
4. Hi-Brix Molasses: Include 10 tablespoons of Hi-Brix Molasses for plants. Molasses is a natural source of carbohydrates that feeds the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This helps improve soil fertility and nutrient availability for your plants.
5. Actinovate: Add 10 tablespoons of Actinovate to the mixture. Actinovate is a biological fungicide that helps protect plants from various fungal diseases. It contains beneficial bacteria that outcompete harmful pathogens, promoting healthier plants.
6. High-Quality Compost: add 10 cups of high-quality compost to the mix. It’s essential to use compost that has been well-aged and free from any contaminants. I personally recommend using Ocean Rich compost, but you can choose any high-quality compost available to you. To prevent any large particles from clogging your sprayer, I suggest placing the compost in a strainer before adding it to the mixture.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, mix them thoroughly in a large container, ensuring that everything is well blended. You can use a stir stick or agitate the mixture gently to achieve a homogenous solution.
When applying the foliar spray, use a sprayer with a fine mist setting to ensure even coverage on the leaves. Spray the mixture onto the foliage, including the tops and undersides of the leaves. It’s best to apply the spray during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid leaf burn and allow the plants to absorb the nutrients effectively.
Remember, foliar sprays should not replace regular soil fertilization. They are meant to supplement your plant’s nutrient intake and provide additional protection against diseases. It’s advisable to use foliar sprays in conjunction with a balanced soil fertility program for optimal plant health.
Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers of the products you are using and make adjustments based on your specific plant’s needs. Additionally, it’s essential to monitor your plants’ response to the foliar spray and make any necessary adjustments to the application frequency or concentration.
I hope this detailed guide helps you in making a successful foliar spray for your plants. Happy gardening!
