Concentration targets in horticulture
Hydrogen peroxide is often used as an oxidizer for light sanitation and oxygen release. Garden mixes commonly range from 0.05% to 1.0%, depending on contact time, crop sensitivity, and surface load. Lower concentrations suit routine spray bottles, while stronger mixes are reserved for hard surfaces, pots, and non-living equipment. This calculator converts percent or ppm into accurate volumes for repeatable batches.
Measuring accuracy at low doses
At small targets, a tiny measuring error can double the dose. Using ppm helps when you want 100–500 ppm solutions, where 1% equals 10,000 ppm. For precision, measure concentrate with a syringe or graduated cylinder, then dilute into a marked container. If the computed concentrate is below 5 mL, scale up the final volume for easier measuring and better repeatability.
Mixing order and stability
Start with clean water, add the measured peroxide, then top up to the final volume. Gentle mixing reduces splashing and preserves labels on containers. Peroxide decomposes faster in light, heat, and contact with metals or organic debris. Make only what you can use the same day, and store any remainder in an opaque container, tightly capped.
Application considerations for plants and media
Foliar applications work best in cool parts of the day to limit leaf stress. Avoid spraying open blooms and tender seedlings unless you have tested the concentration first. For soil or media, lighter drenches can help reduce odor and biofilm, but repeated strong doses may disturb beneficial microbes. Rinse tools after sanitation if they will contact roots or cuts.
Safety, storage, and recordkeeping
Wear gloves and eye protection, especially with strengths above 6%. Never mix peroxide with acids, bleach, or fertilizers in the same container. Keep concentrates away from children and sunlight. Use the CSV and PDF exports to record strength, target, and batch size so you can reproduce results and compare plant responses over time across seasons and varied conditions. During trials, note weather, cultivar, and any visible leaf spotting.