Milk may be great for dunking cookies in, but it can also be used in the garden! Here is what milk can do for your plants and how to use it correctly in the garden.
Milk is full of calcium, proteins, and fats along with many other micronutrients. It's got everything a calf needs, to grow into a cow.
While we know the benefits of drinking milk, most don't know that is can also help you grow plants!
Here are some ways milk can help you in your garden.
Milk Is Full Of Calcium
Blossom end rot is a terrible condition that ends with your fruit rotting on the plant. One known cause of blossom end rot is calcium deficiency.
Since milk has high levels of calcium, in liquid form, it is a great way to boost calcium levels in your plants. You can just add milk to your watering can and dilute it a bit. (I like to do a 50/50 ratio)
Milk is a great calcium supplement for your plants.
Milk has antifungal properties
Another benefit is that milk has enzymes that kill fungal spores! Who would have thought that cow's milk would be a natural fungicide.
I have sprayed milk on my squash plants to save them from powdery mildew. After a few applications the mildew disappears.
To make a milk fungicide application you just need a spray bottle, milk, and water. I make a solution of half milk and water in the spray bottle and soak my plants.
Apply this 2-3 times a week and your fungal issues should go away.
What Type Of Milk Is Best To Use On Plants
Any animal milk will have the benefits I listed above, but I have only used cow's milk in my garden. Plant or nut based milks will not have the same benefits, and I would not use them in the garden.
I use whole milk in my garden and I have had no issues. Some believe the high fat content in whole milk is harmful for plants, but this has not been my experience.
You can use skim milk or 2% milk and get similar results.
Can I use soured milk in my garden
Using slightly soured milk in the garden is okay for most plants. However, you should never allow soured milk to come in contact with plant leaves.
Soured milk is best poured on the soil around a plant. I would not use soured milk near plants like lettuce or other greens. You really don't want nasty milk on your salad!
If you want to use milk for antifungal properties it is best to use fresh milk that has not soured.
Is Milk A Good Fertilizer
While milk is great for a calcium boost it is not a complete fertilizer. It does not contain high levels of nitrogen or other macro nutrients that plants need.
I still believe milk is a good supplement for your plants, but for a healthy garden you will need more than just milk.
I recommend using some of these organic fertilizers or making your own homemade fertilizer for your garden.
Warning: Too Much Milk Is Harmful
There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing". Milk is good for plants, but only in moderation.
Always dilute milk in a 50/50 ratio to keep from using too much in your garden. Too much milk can cause your plants to suffer.
You also don't want to use so much milk that your garden stinks! I only use milk in my garden when I notice a calcium or fungal issue.
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