Did You Know?

“Take 2 aspirin and see you in the morning” has been a doctor’s prescription for a variety of minor ailments, but did you know aspirin is good for plants too? Aspirin’s ingredient, salicylic acid, has been found by the University of Florida and USDA researchers to activate and boost a plant’s SAR (Systemic Acquired Resistance) against bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. When sprayed with the aspirin/water mixture (1 ½ aspirins to 2 gallons of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of a surfactant such as mild soap or anti-transpirant) every 3 weeks, it not only improved the plant’s resistance to disease, but also improved growth, increased fruit size and production. Tomato expert Steve Goto found that putting the aspirin directly in the soil next to the plant is also an effective way to increase the SAR. What a great way to take the “headache” out of gardening!