How To Make Molasses Spray For Plants

Are you looking to give your plants a boost? Look no further than molasses spray!

This dark and nutrient-rich substance is derived from sugar cane or sugar beet juice during the sugar refinement process. While not a direct source of nutrients, molasses feeds the microorganisms in the soil, promoting a healthy and thriving ecosystem for your plants.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of molasses spray, the nutrients it provides, and a simple recipe to make your own. Get ready to take your plant care game to the next level with molasses spray!

Benefits of molasses spray

1. Microorganism Support: Molasses serves as a food source for beneficial microorganisms living in the soil. It encourages the growth of these microorganisms, which in turn helps improve soil health.
2. Nutrient Supply: While molasses itself is not a nutrient for plants, it indirectly aids in nutrient availability. Enhanced microbial activity in the soil can break down organic matter and make essential nutrients more accessible to plants.
3. Soil Structure Improvement: Regular use of molasses can contribute to improved soil structure and aeration, which is vital for healthy root development and overall plant growth.
4. Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: The presence of thriving microorganisms in the soil can assist in the uptake of nutrients by plant roots, potentially leading to healthier and more vigorous growth.
5. Natural Pest Resistance: Some growers believe that the increased microbial activity promoted by molasses can help plants become more resistant to certain pests and diseases.
6. Flowering and Fruit Development: Many growers find that applying molasses during the flowering stage can result in improved flower and fruit development, potentially leading to higher yields.
7. Safe for Plants: Molasses is not known to burn or harm plants when used in the recommended dilution. It’s a safe and organic way to enhance soil health.

Molasses spray recipe

Ingredients:

• Organic Blackstrap Molasses (Unsulfured)
• Dechlorinated Water

Instructions:

1. Choose the Right Molasses:
   • Ensure that you have organic blackstrap molasses that is unsulfured. This type of molasses is best for your garden as it contains essential nutrients without harmful additives.
2. Prepare Dechlorinated Water:
   • Use dechlorinated water for your spray. If you’re using tap water, let it sit in an open container for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate. Alternatively, you can use filtered water or rainwater.
3. Mix Molasses and Water:
   • For a general-purpose molasses spray, mix one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses per gallon of dechlorinated water. You can adjust the quantity based on your garden’s needs, but this ratio is a good starting point.
4. Warm Up the Water (Optional):
   • Blackstrap molasses can be thick and challenging to mix into water. To make it easier, heat up a pint of water (not boiling, just warm) and dissolve the molasses in it. Then, mix this molasses-water solution into the remaining gallon of water.
5. Stir Thoroughly:
   • Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the molasses is evenly distributed in the water.
6. Fill a Spray Bottle:
   • Pour the prepared molasses spray into a clean spray bottle. A sprayer with a fine mist setting is ideal for even coverage.
7. Apply to Your Plants:
   • Use the molasses spray to water your garden plants, making sure to cover both the soil and foliage. It’s beneficial at various stages of growth, but many growers find it most effective during the flowering stage.
8. Storage:
   • Store any remaining molasses spray in a cool, dark place. Shake well before each use.

Further reading

I’ve created a list of several types of homemade organic sprays that provide nutrients or protect plants from pests and diseases. Check the post below for this list.

• 21 Organic Homemade Garden Spray For Plants