Baking Soda Spray & Composting with Coffee Grounds

Baking Soda Fungicide Recipe

For powdery mildew, black spot: 2 tablespoons baking soda + 1 tablespoon horticultural oil (or vegetable oil) per gallon water. Spray weekly, covering leaf tops and undersides. Test on few leaves first.

Coffee Grounds: Direct Lawn Application

Yes, toss used grounds directly on lawn. Benefits:

• Slow-release nitrogen (~2%).
• Improves soil structure, water retention.
• Attracts earthworms.
• Slightly acidic—good for alkaline soils.

No need to compost first. Rake lightly to distribute.

Composting Basics

• Bin: Wire cage, tumbler, or pile (3×3×3 ft minimum).
• Greens (N): Coffee grounds, veggie scraps, grass clippings, manure.
• Browns (C): Leaves, straw, shredded paper, sawdust.
• Ratio: 2–3 parts brown : 1 part green by volume.
• No: Meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, weeds with seeds.
• Turn: Every 1–2 weeks for aeration.
• Ready: Dark, crumbly, earthy smell (2–6 months).

Compost Tea (Optional Boost)

Steep finished compost in water 24–48 hrs (aerated best). Dilute to tea color. Use as soil drench or foliar spray. Add molasses (1 tbsp/gal) to feed microbes.

Indoor Herb Pest Control

Rosemary & lavender sachets in cabinets deter silverfish, roaches, moths. Essential oils on cotton balls work too.