Molasses in the Garden?

Molasses is a popular organic carbon and carbohydrate source that feeds the microorganisms rather than directly fertilizing plants. It is not fertilizer! It is one of my secret weapons for optimal plant health. When used in a balanced manor, you can increase the vigor & yield of your plants. 

Sulfured or Unsulfured?

Unsulfured Molasses: This type has no sulfur dioxide added during processing. It is the best choice for your yard because added sulfur acts as a preservative and can harm or kill the beneficial soil microbes you want to feed. 

Sulfured Molasses: This type has sulfur dioxide added during the refining phase (often used with younger sugarcane) to preserve freshness and shelf life. Avoid this kind for gardening purposes

 

What does Molasses actually do?

Molasses will stimulate microbes that break down organic matter, making nutrients easier for the plant to absorb. So when people say organic fertilizer won't work, they should try a small application of molasses after applying the fertilizer. I guarantee, it will work. Active microorganisms break down organic matter and mine trace minerals (like potassium, iron, and calcium) from the soil, making them easily available to plant roots.

Unsulfured blackstrap molasses naturally contains trace elements like potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium that support overall plant health.

Can you use too much?

I would also like to mention, you cannot just spray or drench with molasses all the time. You can over-do it. Too much can disrupt soil balance, cause root suffocation, and attract unwanted pests. Excess sugar causes a rapid microbial explosion that consumes all available oxygen in the soil. This creates a low-oxygen (anaerobic) environment, leading to sour odors, slimy soil buildup, and potential root rot. 

So, should you use it?

Yes! If you have been fertilizing, have a consistent watering schedule... you have tried everything and your plants are still anemic and weak... try molasses. If a plant is in need, try weekly application for one month and then taper off to once a month during the growing season. 

Personally...

I once had an epiphany about mid season peach leaf curl. Yes, I have plant and nutrient epiphanies quite often :)

We had the most gorgeous peach tree that was severely affected by the virus. We had taken the preventative measures of dormancy spray, but as it commonly goes, did not work. I knew molasses would not cure the disease, directly, but my inner voice and wisdom just knew that molasses was part of the equation. I used the Grow More's Molasses with Yucca Extract, Green Aminos from Green Gro & Aza Sol. I made a potent soil drench with the three,  poured it into the soil and within a week I had clean, beautiful green leaves. The nasty foliage associated with the peach leaf curl never came back, for two more seasons. Prior to applying the concoction, I stripped the tree entirely of its leaves. This bare bones tree became the most bountiful beauty within weeks, so I now treat all fruit trees with molasses at least for month during the growing season. 

Sidenote: Molasses cannot cure peach leaf curl directly, as it does not have fungicidal properties to kill the underlying fungus (Taphrina deformans). However, organic & regenerative growers frequently use unsulfured blackstrap molasses as a supportive therapy to help a stressed tree recover its vigor. 

While molasses keeps the tree energized, it will not prevent the fungus from returning next spring. To actually control peach leaf curl, you must apply a preventative copper fungicide or lime-sulfur spray during dormancy. Spray the bare branches thoroughly in late autumn (after 90% leaf drop) and/or late winter (right before the buds begin to swell).

Take Away

Molasses will not fix everything. Molasses will not replace fertilizing. Molasses does not kill insects. Molasses will increase microbial growth when used with organic matter and fertilizer. Molasses will contribute to overall health and vigor when used during the growing season. 

 

If you have questions about Molasses or other ways to use it, stop by and ask Carly!