Sugar and Baking Soda Formulas for Brown Patch Control

Baking Soda Spray

Mix ¼ cup baking soda per 1 gallon water. Apply with garden sprayer, soaking affected areas thoroughly. Repeat as needed.

Sugar Application

• Rate: 1 lb sugar per 250 sq ft.
• Timing: Spring and fall (or anytime).
• Method: Broadcast by hand, water in well.

Sugar feeds beneficial microbes that suppress Rhizoctonia (brown patch fungus). Unlike fertilizer, excess sugar won't burn grass.

Alternative: Corn Gluten Meal

Also suppresses fungus and acts as organic pre-emergent. Application rates vary—consult Howard Garrett's resources.

Why Organics Work

Rhizoctonia thrives in low-organic-matter soils. Compost, sugar, and corn gluten boost microbial antagonists (Trichoderma, Bacillus) that naturally suppress the pathogen.