Aspirin Therapy: Uses in the Garden for Most Productive & Healthy Plants

There was a lot of talk about Aspirin last time and so I took time to research, and this is what I found.

Aspirin tablets can be used for growing healthy and productive plants and it really works. Here’re some of the best Aspirin uses in the garden!

1. Increases the Growth and Productivity of Plants

At the University of Rhode Island, gardeners made a solution containing 4 crushed aspirin tablets and 4 gallons of water and then sprayed the solution on their vegetable gardens every three weeks throughout the growing season. At the end of the season, they found that the treated plants grew more quickly and were more fruitful than the group that was left untreated.

They concluded that aspirin leads to increased vitamin C content and greater growth in plants.

The Science behind this Claim

Aspirin contains an active ingredient known as salicylic acid. It is derived from willow bark. This acid enhances the immune system of plants (Plants prepare it naturally but in lower amounts) especially those in the nightshade family. Plants subjected to it get the boost in immunity power, which helps them in combating with pests and microbial attack and prevents the formation of fungus leading to increased growth rate of plants. Visit the New Scientist to learn more about this in detail.

2. It Helps Plants Combating Fungal Diseases

Verticillium and fusarium wilt are common fungal diseases widely distributed in soil and can wipe out an entire crop in a matter of days. Fortunately, according to a recent study by the US Department of Agriculture, the use of aspirin spray can significantly reduce the spread of fungus on the plant. It is also helpful in blight.

The Science behind this Claim

Apparently, plants produce small amounts of salicylic acid naturally especially when they are stressed. The salicylic acid creates a systematically acquired resistance protecting the plants against microbial attack, drought, and even insect attack. Since salicylic acid is the active ingredient in aspirin, when a solution of aspirin is sprayed on the plants, the amount of salicylic acid in the plants is increased which in turn boosts their immune system protecting the seedlings and plants from soil-borne diseases, bacteria, and fungi.

Gardeners can spray their plants with a solution of aspirin tablet mixed in distilled water. The drug is especially effective in warding off diseases in the nightshade family which include tomatoes or potatoes. You can also soak the seeds in the aspirin solution just before sowing to improve germination.

3. Help Cut Plants and Flowers to Last Longer

Are you wondering how you can keep your cut flowers looking fresh for a long time? It is possible by adding aspirin to the vase water. To achieve this, crush an aspirin tablet, dissolve it in water and add the solution to a vase.

The Science behind this Claim

According to Judy Jernstedt, the professor in plant and soil department at the University of California, Davis, and the salicylic acid reduces the production of ethylene. With reduced ethylene present, floral wilting is delayed, and the cut plants can last longer.

Also, the anti-fungal properties of salicylic acid that dissolve into the vase water slows down the growth of mould which if it enters the flower stem can clog the vascular tissue leading to the death of the flower. For longer lasting fresh flowers, be sure to change the water regularly.

4. Propagate Plants from Cuttings Successfully

Rooting hormone helps in propagating plants from cuttings and using it improves the success rate. Take a cup of distilled water and dissolve one uncoated aspirin tablet and then keep the cut end of the plant in this rooting solution for a few hours before planting. It’ll work!

The Science behind this Claim

Instead of using willow bark, which contains growth hormones, you can use aspirin to prepare your own rooting solution. It contains the same salicylic acid that is found in willows and works the same.

How to use Aspirin in the Garden

You should be careful when using aspirin in the garden as too much can burn or damage the plants. Improper use may lead to the development of brown spots that makes them appear to have burnt foliage. This guide on how to properly use aspirin in the garden can help prevent any damage to the plants.

The Right Dosage

The right dosage of aspirin should not be more than a tablet for each litre of water. Begin by crushing the tablet and ensure it is well dissolved before spraying. *It has been observed by gardeners that aspirin dissolves well in distilled water!

When spraying, do it in the morning as plants tend to absorb best at this time. Also, spraying in the morning helps to avoid harming the beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators, which are active later and it gives the plants a chance to dry too.

You should also pay attention to the response of the plants to the treatment as not all plants are suitable for aspirin treatment. Plants in the nightshade family, of course, such as tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and eggplants benefit greatly from aspirin regimen.