Garden Tonics

Four online recipes to print, save and share.

1. All-Season Green-Up Tonic

The beer, ammonia and molasses recipe

• 1 can beer
• 1 cup household ammonia
• 1/2 cup liquid dishwashing soap
• 1/2 cup liquid lawn food
• 1/2 cup molasses or corn syrup

The online transcription specifies a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer. Apply in the morning every three weeks during the growing season.

Online transcription on Scribd

2. Transplant Tonic

For dividing perennials

• 1 can beer
• 1/4 cup instant tea granules
• 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid
• 2 gallons water

Mix in a bucket. Soak the roots of divided perennials for about 10 minutes, then plant in soil enriched with compost.

Jerry Baker blog: Divide and Conquer!

3. Compost Feeder Tonic

For the compost pile

• 1/2 can beer
• 1/2 can cola
• 1/2 cup dishwashing liquid

The blog specifies a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer. Apply to the compost pile once a month.

Jerry Baker blog: March 2017 archive

4. Lawn Tonic

Another version from the Baker website

• 1 can beer
• 1 cup liquid lawn food
• 1 cup baby shampoo
• 1/2 cup ammonia

The website specifies a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer for application to the lawn.

Jerry Baker website: July garden ideas

Using this reference: Collected from online sources; not checked against the printed books. Quantities can vary between versions. A 20-gallon hose-end sprayer dilutes the concentrate with hose water as it sprays; do not apply the concentrate directly.

Recipe collection, not a guarantee of results: extension horticulturists question the benefits of lawn tonics and flag plant-damage risks from household ammonia and unclear application rates. Read CSU Extension’s discussion.Compiled October 25, 2026. Recipe wording summarized from the linked sources.