"McGerm" wrote in message
...
I have been catching up on my garden reading here in Zone 6. One of
the things I picked up at the library was a DVD on tree and shrub
care. Among the things it said to do was to use a 'clean-up tonic'
once every two weeks to discourage insects and diseases. The DVD made
it sound like a very good thing to do.

Clean-Up Tonic
1 Cup lemon-scented liquid dish soap
1 Cup of antiseptic mouthwash
1 Cup of chewing tobacco tea

The tobacco concerns me, specifically tobacco mosaic virus. Will this
treatment spread the virus? According to sources online TMV infects
and kills tomatoes/peppers/eggplant/ cubits, annual flowers, orchids,
and hundreds of other ornamentals.

Jim

Sounds like you got hold of some Jerry Baker schlock. Our PBS stations
stopped carrying his programs years ago as well as his Sunday radio
programs. More than a few organic gardening groups suggested he be strung up
by the thumbs. The NW Flower and Garden show hasn't had him for a speaker in
years because of the flack they got from "real" garden educators and the
Master Gardeners Association about his misinformation and use of the
unearned title "Master Gardener". I was riveted in the doorway (early 90s as
I recall) when passing by one his seminars (everyone loves a good train
wreck) when a gentleman stood and introduced himself as a professor and head
of the U of W Horticultural Dept and went into a "what the hell are you
thinking" demanding for a basis of his unfounded and potentially harmful
formulas. Ol' Jerry was red in the face and sputtering when he just walked
off the stage without replying......so ended a very short seminar. Never saw
him again on the roster of speakers.

Here's an article you might find interesting. Rather enlightening about his
qualifications and expertise.
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4DMG/Whats/jbaker.htm


Val