# How Humic Acid and Molasses Can Help Your Plants Survive a Freeze
As a board certified Master arborist¹, I have seen many plants suffer from the effects of a hard freeze. A hard freeze occurs when the temperature drops below 28°F (-2°C) for more than four hours. This can damage or kill plants by causing ice crystals to form in their cells, disrupting their water balance and metabolism.
Fortunately, there are some natural products that can help your plants recover from a freeze: humic acid and molasses. These products are organic compounds that provide many benefits to both soils and plants. In this blog, I will explain how humic acid and molasses work and how to use them effectively.
## What is Humic Acid?
Humic acid is a type of plant biostimulant, which means it enhances plant growth and health without directly providing nutrients or killing pests. Humic acid is derived from decomposed organic matter, such as peat, coal, or leonardite². It is a dark brown compound that contains carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and other elements.
Humic acid works by improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. It improves the soil structure, making it more porous and aerated. It also increases the water-holding capacity and cation exchange capacity of the soil, which means it can retain more moisture and nutrients for the plants. Humic acid also acts as a chelator, which means it binds with nutrients and makes them more available for plant uptake³.
Humic acid also stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. These microorganisms help decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and suppress pathogens. Humic acid also enhances the root growth and development of plants, increasing their ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
## What is Cooking Molasses?
Cooking Molasses is a sweetener commonly used in meal preparation. It is a byproduct of the process to produce crystallized sugar from grapes, sugarcane, and sugar beets. In addition to over 100 different sugars and carbohydrates, a high-quality molasses contains minerals and vitamins, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
Molasses works by providing a food source for the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. The sugar in molasses feeds the microorganisms, increasing their population and activity. This results in a healthier soil with more organic matter, nutrients, and enzymes. Molasses also helps balance the pH of the soil, making it more neutral and suitable for plant growth.
## How Humic Acid and Molasses Can Help Your Plants Survive a Freeze
Humic acid and molasses can help your plants survive a freeze by increasing their resistance to stress and enhancing their recovery. Here are some of the ways they can do that:
– Humic acid and molasses increase the nutrient uptake and utilization of plants, making them stronger and healthier. They also provide some micronutrients that are essential for plant functions, such as iron, sulfur, and B vitamins.
– Humic acid and molasses improve the soil quality and structure, making it more resilient to temperature fluctuations and moisture loss. They also increase the water-holding capacity of the soil, preventing it from drying out and cracking.
– Humic acid and molasses stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which help protect the plants from pathogens and diseases. They also increase the organic matter and humus content of the soil, which act as natural insulators and buffers against cold and heat.
– Humic acid and molasses enhance the root growth and development of plants, increasing their ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. They also help the roots recover from freeze damage by stimulating cell division and healing.
– Humic acid and molasses increase the production and accumulation of sugars, amino acids, and antioxidants in plants, which help them cope with stress and prevent cell damage. They also increase the synthesis of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that give plants their fragrance and flavor. Terpenes also have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which help the plants fight infections and heal wounds⁵.
## How to Use Humic Acid and Molasses for Your Plants
You can use humic acid and molasses for your plants in different ways, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some of the common methods:
– You can apply humic acid and molasses as a soil conditioner, by mixing them with water and pouring them on the soil around your plants. You can do this before or after a freeze, depending on the condition of your plants and soil. A general recommendation is to use 1 tablespoon of humic acid and 1 tablespoon of molasses per gallon of water, and apply it once every two weeks⁶.
– You can apply humic acid and molasses as a foliar spray, by mixing them with water and spraying them on the leaves and stems of your plants. You can do this before or after a freeze, depending on the condition of your plants. A general recommendation is to use 1 teaspoon of humic acid and 1 teaspoon of molasses per quart of water, and apply it once every week⁷.
– You can apply humic acid and molasses as a seed coat, by soaking your seeds in a solution of humic acid and molasses before planting them. This will help your seeds germinate faster and stronger, and increase their resistance to stress. A general recommendation is to use 1 teaspoon of humic acid and 1 teaspoon of molasses per cup of water, and soak your seeds for 24 hours⁸.
## Conclusion
Humic acid and molasses are natural products that can help your plants survive a freeze by improving their health and soil quality. They are easy to use and affordable, and they provide many benefits to both soils and plants. If you want to help your plants recover from potential freeze damage from the last hard freeze and enhance their recovery, you should consider using high quality humic acid and cooking molasses for your plants.
