How to Make an Organic Fungicide from Horsetail: A Complete Guide

If yesterday we saw how to make a ecological and homemade insect repellent, today we will tell you how to make a ecological fungicide at home that helps us to fight against the fungi of our planter or garden.

In this case, our ally will be the Horse tail (Equisetum arvense). This plant, with its extensive medicinal properties, is not only valuable in alternative medicine but also plays a fundamental role in gardening. It helps us combat fungi and some pests, such as red spider mites and aphids, thanks to its high silica content and a saponin toxic to fungi called equisetonin. This saponin is crucial, as it has harmful effects on several types of fungi that are harmful to our plants.

Horsetail is a perennial plant that grows in moist soils and is commonly found in forests, meadows, and in many areas of the Iberian Peninsula. It's important to note that this plant can be found dried in any herbalist's shop, making it easy to obtain. Furthermore, this natural fungicide is an excellent option for those interested in effective organic fungicides.

The preparation of our homemade fungicide with a ponytail is very simple. To do this, we'll need:

• 15 grams of dried horsetail or 100 grams if using fresh horsetail.
• 1 liter of water.
• A pot for boiling.
• a strainer

Preparation of organic fungicide with horsetail

The first step is to add 15 grams of horsetail (if dried) or 100 grams (if fresh) to one liter of water in a pot. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes. This decoction will release the horsetail's beneficial compounds into the water.

Once the mixture has boiled, let the liquid cool. Then, it's essential to strain it to separate the solids from the liquid. Once strained, dilute the infusion in a 1:3 ratio, meaning add three parts water for every part horsetail preparation. This dilution is crucial to avoid excessive concentrations that could harm the plants.

The final result will be a liquid that we can use to spray our plants. The application is very simple and the smell of this preparation It is quite pleasant, making it an ideal choice for those looking for natural solutions in the garden. If you want to find out more about how to use other ecological repellents and fungicides, do not hesitate to consult.

Benefits of using horsetail

The horsetail is a highly effective natural fungicide due to its unique properties:

• Rich in silica: This component not only helps strengthen the cell walls of plants, but also creates an unfavorable environment for the proliferation of fungi.
• Antifungal properties: Equisetonin, present in this plant, acts as a powerful protector against various fungal diseases that can affect our crops.
• versatile use: It can be used both as a preventative and curative remedy. It is effective against common fungi such as powdery mildew and downy mildew, as well as pests like aphids.

It is recommended to apply the fungicide on the part underside of the leaves, as many fungi and pests tend to establish themselves in this area. As a preventative measure, it's ideal to apply it once a week, and if fungi have already been detected, every two days until they are eliminated. You can also learn more about how to apply fungicides on your plants.

Application of homemade fungicide

When applying the fungicide, it's recommended to use a sprayer. This allows for even distribution of the product over the plants. Below are some practical tips:

• Application time: It is best to apply the fungicide during the coolest hours of the day, such as dawn or dusk, to prevent the sun from burning the applied liquid.
• Proper dilution: If you notice that the infestation is severe, you can increase the concentration of the mixture to 1:2 (one part preparation to two parts water), but you must always be careful not to damage the plants.
• Product preservation: Homemade fungicide can be stored in a cool, dark place in opaque glass containers to prolong its shelf life.

Preventive and curative: A holistic approach

The use of horsetail is not limited to treating fungi already present in plants. Its regular application helps prevent diseases, constituting a effective strategy in integrated pest management. Below are the types of diseases it can help combat:

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of whitish down on the leaves and stems of plants, especially in high humidity and shade. Horsetail is a very effective preventative agent. It can be applied at any time, whether in direct sunlight or indoors, without risk of damage.

Mildew

Downy mildew is another fungal disease, manifesting as yellow spots and gray powder on the leaves. This fungus thrives in humid environments and can be devastating to crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Horsetail strengthens plants' defenses, helping to prevent its appearance. For more information on organic treatments, see this link.

The use of horsetail as an organic fungicide is a technique that is increasingly popular among those committed to sustainable gardening. Its effectiveness, combined with its ease of preparation, makes it an attractive option for those who want to care for their plants without resorting to harmful chemicals. Furthermore, its low cost and availability in nature make it even more accessible. If you'd like to learn more about other options, natural fungicides, it will be very useful to you.

Additionally, the application of horsetail can be combined with other natural treatments, such as nettle slurry, creating a synergy that enhances the beneficial effects on plants. So the next time you face the threat of fungi or pests in your garden, consider using this powerful natural fungicide.

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How to use garlic as a natural insect repellent in your garden