Discover 5 Powerful Benefits of Alum in Gardening

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In Today’s post, we will look into 5 powerful benefits of Alum in gardening like how to use it to increase flowering in plants and a simple recipe to make an effective alum pesticide, especially if you do not have the organic neem-oil pesticide.  

Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for effective, eco-friendly solutions to enhance their garden’s health and productivity. Enter alum – a versatile compound that can significantly benefit your plants. In today’s post, we will explore five powerful benefits of using alum in gardening, including how to increase flowering in plants and a simple recipe for making an effective alum pesticide, especially if you do not have access to organic neem oil pesticide.

What is Alum?

Understanding Alum

Alum, also known as Potash Alum, is a hydrated double salt available in crystal, powdered, or liquid form. Whether it’s white alum or red alum, the chemical compound remains Potassium Aluminium Sulphate. This eco-friendly compound poses no hazardous effects on plants, animals, or human ecosystems. You can easily find alum at grocery stores, supermarkets, and even some garden centers. It’s also available in various shapes, including blocks commonly used as aftershave disinfectants.

Food-Grade Alum

Food-grade alum has been approved by the FDA for household and medical use. But how exactly is alum useful in gardening? Let’s break down the five best uses of alum for your garden, one by one.

1. Alum Pesticide

How Alum Works as a Pesticide

Alum acts on pests in two primary ways:

1. Surface Infiltration: Alum penetrates the pest’s body surface, targeting the exoskeleton or outer layer, allowing it to infiltrate the insect’s system effectively. This process compromises the pest’s protective barriers, making them more vulnerable to other treatments.
2. Ingestion: Pests ingest alum when they feed, which triggers a chemical reaction that disrupts their internal systems. As alum interacts with the digestive enzymes, it can lead to dehydration and hinder their ability to absorb nutrients, ultimately impacting their survival and reproduction.

Benefits of Alum Pesticide

Alum pesticide in 10-20% concentration is highly effective against common garden pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. It’s also useful in vegetable gardening for eliminating cabbage worms, cutworms, and other bugs. This makes alum a viable alternative to neem oil, which may not be available everywhere.

How to Make Alum Pesticide

Here’s a simple recipe to create 1 liter of alum pesticide in three quick steps:

1. Prepare Alum:

• For home gardening, use 100 grams of alum.
• For larger pests like cabbage worms, use 200 grams of alum.
• Crush larger crystals into smaller pieces or use alum powder.

2. Mix with Water:

• Take 1 liter of clean water in a spray can or any container.
• Add 100-200 grams of alum, depending on the pest type and intensity.

3. Add a Surfactant:

• Add 5-10 ml of a surfactant like liquid soap or glycerin.
• Load the mixture into your spray bottle, shake well, and spray on affected plants.
• Always perform a patch test on a leaf first to check potency before spraying the entire plant.

2. Repel Insects

How Alum Repels Insects

Alum is an effective solution for repelling unwanted pests such as slugs, snails, and certain insects, including cockroaches. This natural mineral, known for its versatility, can be easily applied in your garden or home. To use it, simply sprinkle some alum powder or coarse crystalline alum over the affected areas.

The granules create a barrier that deters these pests from crossing, helping to keep your plants and living spaces pest-free. Additionally, alum is safe to use around pets and children, making it a great option for environmentally-conscious individuals seeking to manage pest problems without harsh chemicals. Regular application may be necessary to maintain its effectiveness, especially after rain or watering.

3. Mosquito Control

Alum as a Larvicide

Alum serves as an effective larvicide, specifically targeting mosquito larvae that thrive in stagnant waters around your home and garden. This natural compound works by disrupting the growth and development of the larvae, ultimately preventing them from maturing into adult mosquitoes. To use alum effectively, simply sprinkle the powder evenly over these stagnant water sources, such as ponds, bird baths, or clogged gutters, and you’re done. This straightforward method not only helps prevent mosquitoes from breeding but also reduces the risk of them spreading diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. By incorporating alum into your pest management routine, you can enjoy a more comfortable outdoor environment free from pesky mosquito bites.

4. Soil Amendment

Why Soil pH Matters

Before we discuss how alum can amend the soil, it’s essential to understand soil pH:

• A pH level of 7.0 is neutral.
• A pH below 7.0 is acidic.
• A pH above 7.0 is alkaline.

Most plants thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH between 6.0 and 6.5). However, some plants, like hydrangeas, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and roses, prefer more acidic soil.

Testing Your Soil pH

Before adding alum to your soil, you must check its pH. Use a simple pH testing tool or a digital soil pH meter for accurate results. If you don’t have a pH meter, you can use the baking soda and vinegar hack to roughly determine whether your soil is alkaline or acidic. You can read my detailed post on how to test your soil pH.

Using Alum to Amend Soil

If your soil is alkaline or neutral, follow these steps:

1. Begin by adding 1 teaspoon of alum powder for every liter of water or 1 tablespoon for each gallon of water. This will help to adjust the pH levels and improve the overall health of your plants.
2. After adding the alum powder, mix the solution thoroughly to ensure that the powder is fully dissolved. Once mixed, use this solution to water your plants deeply, allowing the nutrients to penetrate the soil and reach the roots effectively.
3. After a period of 10 to 15 days, check the soil pH using a reliable pH testing kit. If the levels are still not where you want them to be, don’t hesitate to repeat the application process to ensure your plants receive the optimal conditions for growth.

5. Increase Flowering

Why Plants May Not Flower

Sometimes, plants may not flower despite receiving proper sunlight, consistent watering, and adequate fertilizing. This issue often arises from improper soil pH, which is crucial for plant health. Acid-loving plants, such as roses and hibiscus, thrive best in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0. When the soil pH is outside this range, it can hinder their ability to absorb essential nutrients, leading to poor growth and a lack of blooms.

Regularly testing the soil pH and making necessary adjustments can significantly improve flowering and overall plant vitality. It’s also beneficial to understand the specific needs of each plant type, as some may have unique requirements for optimal growth.

How Alum Helps

By following the soil amendment steps discussed earlier, you can adjust the soil pH to meet the needs of acid-loving plants. This adjustment will promote better flowering and healthier plants.

Conclusion

Using alum in gardening offers numerous benefits, from acting as a potent pesticide to improving soil conditions for better plant growth. By integrating alum into your gardening routine, you can foster a healthier, more vibrant garden.

Ready to take your gardening to the next level? Try incorporating alum into your plant care regimen and experience the difference for yourself. Happy gardening!

Please Watch a Detailed video on the benefits of alum in gardening below: