How to Make Dormant Oil

Dormant oil is a liquid substance that is sprayed onto trees when they have no leaves, thus the term dormant. It acts as a fungicide and pest control agent to prevent damage to the buds that will open in the spring. Although there are a wide variety of dormant oils available for purchase, you can also make your own. Never use dormant oil sprays on plants or trees once foliage appears since leaf damage will occur.

Things You'll Need

• Garden sprayer
• Vegetable oil
• Liquid soap
• Water

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Unscrew the top from a clean, hand-held garden sprayer.

   • 2

     Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil into the garden sprayer, followed by 2 tbsp. of liquid dish soap.

   • 3

     Add 1 gallon of warm water to the sprayer tank. Replace the top lid by screwing it on clockwise until it is tight.

   • 4

     Shake the mixture up to mix all of the ingredients together and spray liberally on plant or tree surfaces until they are saturated. Make sure to cover all exposed bark on the trunks and the branches.