The Effects of Molasses on Crop Yields

A Spoonful of Sugar

• Like most organic traditional remedies, there hasn't been a lot of research on how and why molasses helps in the garden. However, the USDA has studied its effect on microbial growth and it is documented how much it improves bacterial populations. In fact, blackstrap molasses has been used to rehabilitate polluted soils in San Francisco. A study by the Hawaiian Agricultural Research Center found that it decreased the number of harmful nematodes in the soil.

The Nature of Molasses

• Molasses can be made from either sugar beets or sugar cane being boiled. Blackstrap molasses is an even purer form of the sugar, coming from the third sequential boiling and carrying more nutrients such as calcium and iron. The best kind to use for fertilizer is unsulfured blackstrap molasses, as it has the highest nutrient content.

Fertilizer Recipe

• There aren't any standard recipes for using molasses to improve crops. However, most trials show that a little bit goes a long way. One recipe calls for mixing 2-3 teaspoons directly into compost and spreading it around plants. Other users find it easier to give molasses to plants by mixing it with warm water and either watering roots or spraying leaves and flowers with it.

How Does Molasses Help?

• Most reports of the benefits of adding molasses to the soil are very general, showing an overall improvement in soil health. However, some gardeners report larger fruit with this method. Medical marijuana growers report larger buds with this soil amendment as well.