FWIW - I wrote & posted this about using H2O2 in containers a number of years ago and several times since. H2O2 has an extra O atom (compared to H2O) in an unstable arrangement. It's the extra atom that makes it useful in horticultural applications. Generally, we're not concerned with aerobic forms of bacteria normally occurring in container media or on roots. Since H2O2 is an unstable molecule, it breaks down easily. When it does, a single O- atom and a molecule of water is released. This O- atom is extremely reactive and will quickly attach itself to either another O- atom forming stable O2, or attack the nearest organic molecule. Reduced O levels and high temperatures encourage both anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Many disease causing organisms and spores are killed by O, and the free O- H2O2 releases is very effective at this. Additionally, when plants growing in water-retentive media are treated with H2O2 it will break down and release O into the area around the roots. This helps stop the O from being depleted in the water filled air soil air spaces until air can get back into them. High O levels at the roots will encourage rapid healthy root growth and discourage unwanted bacteria/fungi. I know H2O2 comes in several different strengths, the most common of which are 3% and 35% solutions. Least expensive is the 35% product (what I use) which you dilute (to an approximate 3% solution) by mixing 1:11 with water. I have used the 3% solution at 1 to 2 tbsp per gallon as a cutting dip/soak, and have mixed it into irrigation water for plants in extremely water retentive soils at up to 3 tbsp per gallon, both with good results and nothing adverse apparent. H2O2 in high concentration is a powerful oxidant and quickly oxidizes almost anything it contacts, so be careful with it if you use it. A solution that is too strong can destroy any organic molecule it contacts. I've seen this chart posted several times as suggested strength solutions for use in watering plants. You may wish to start at a lower concentration , such as I've used, and experiment. TO THIS AMOUNT OF WATER ADD THIS AMOUNT OF 3% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE --OR-- ADD THIS AMOUNT OF 35% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 1 cup, add 1-1/2 teaspoons ... 35% - 7 to 10 drops 1 quart, add 2 tablespoons ... 35% - 1/2 teaspoon 1 gallon, add 1/2 cup ... 35% - 2 teaspoons 5 gallons, add 2-1/2 cups ... 35% - 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon 10 gallons, add 5 cups ... 35% - 6 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons 20 gallons, add 10 cups ... 35% - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon 1) you can use them together w/no problems, but you shouldn't need it if you're watering correctly & the gritty mix is made even CLOSE to the suggested recipe. 2) Plants are reactive organisms. They will reach favorably to increased O2 in the root zone, and unfavorably to reduced levels. If you use excessive amounts of H2O2, it can kill viable tissues, so don't over use it. 3) Your plants won't get addicted to H2O2 to any greater degree than they are addicted to water. I would urge you to lift the plant from the pot & take a look at the roots to see what's going on, then prune roots back to sound tissue if you find rot as an issue. At that point, a dunk in a solution of H2O2 or unscented household bleach might be an appropriate measure. Al

Hi Growitnow, I sow seeds indoors and I wintersow. I haven't used any peroxide on my WS seeds, however I have recently learned a great deal about using it on the seeds indoors. I had some bad damping off. I mixed 3% hydr. peroxide with water in a 1:10 ratio. I sprayed the surface of the soil and the mold was gone in a matter of hours. I also noticed that the seedlings grew taller and greener over the course of that night. I believe it was from the extra oxygen. I have since then cut the solution to 1:20 and I spray all my indoor trays with it every 2 or 3 days. I haven't had any problems. Some people water with it but I don't think that's necessary. HTH.

About the stabilizer chemicals in the 3% HP. From what I have read, these chemicals accumulate and are toxic to humans. If they are being sprayed on plants would it not have the same effect? Poison? I will not be using 3% anywhere in my home and am looking for a supplier of 35% food grade. I will also use it as an alternative to chlorine in my pool. Here are the differences for your readers. An excerpt from: The Many Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide By Dr. David G. Williams http://educate-yourself.org/cancer/benefitsofhydrogenperozide17jul03.shtml Posted July 17, 2003 (Original title: Hydrogen Peroxide - Curse or Cure?) Grades of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is available in various strengths and grades. A) 3.5% Pharmaceutical Grade: This is the grade sold at your local drugstore or supermarket. This product is not recommended for internal use. It contains an assortment of stabilizers which shouldn't be ingested. Various stabilizers include: acetanilide, phenol, sodium stanate and tertrasodium phosphate. B) 6% Beautician Grade: This is used in beauty shops to color hair and is not recommended for internal use. C) 30% Reagent Grade: This is used for various scientific experimentation and also contains stabilizers. It is also not for internal use. D) 30% to 32% Electronic Grade: This is used to clean electronic parts and not for internal use. E) 35% Technical Grade: This is a more concentrated product than the Reagent Grade and differs slightly in that phosphorus is added to help neutralize any chlorine from the water used to dilute it. F) 35% Food Grade: This is used in the production of foods like cheese, eggs, and whey-containing products. It is also sprayed on the foil lining of aseptic packages containing fruit juices and milk products. THIS IS THE ONLY GRADE RECOMMENDED FOR INTERNAL USE. It is available in pints, quarts, gallons or even drums. Various suppliers are mentioned later in this article. G) 90%: This is used as an oxygen source for rocket fuel. Only 35% Food Grade hydrogen peroxide is recommended for internal use. At this concentration, however, hydrogen peroxide is a very strong oxidizer and if not diluted, it can be extremely dangerous or even fatal. Any concentrations over 10% can cause neurological reactions and damage to the upper gastrointestinal tract. There have been two known fatalities in children who ingested 27% and 40% concentrations of H202. Recently, a 26 month old female swallowed one mouthful of 35% H202. She immediately began vomiting, followed by fainting and respiratory arrest. Fortunately, she was under emergency room care and although she experienced erosion and bleeding of the stomach and esophagus, she survived the incident. When she was re-examined 12 days later, the areas involved had healed (J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 90;28(1):95-100).

Hydrogen peroxide works on fairly fresh stains but you still need to test on an inconspicuous area. DH has a beautiful white terry cloth robe that the kids gave him for father's day and he managed to get some blood on it. He used hydrogen peroxide which took out the blood stain but it also yellowed the robe. I've never had that happen before. The robe was 100% cotton and the label tag said not to use a chlorine bleach. I've had positive experiences with Clorox totally Spotless Feminine Stain Remover. I hate the name and wrote them a letter complaining about it but the product does work. According to the label it contains Hydrogen Peroxide, Nonionic Surfactant. I have no idea why it should work any better that plain hydrogen peroxide but it has even removed some older blood stains.