Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am looking at the bottle, but I can't find the directions!
2. How is Serenade applied?
3. What plants can the spray be used on?
4. When do I use the spray?
5. What does "conditions of high disease pressure" mean?
6. What time of year do I start spraying my fruit trees?
7. What time of year should I start spraying to prevent mildews on my roses and other flowering plants?
8. What time of year should I spray my tomatoes? squash? other garden veggies?
9. Can I spray my houseplants?
10. What is the best time of day to spray?
11. Are there any weather restrictions for Serenade Garden?
12. Where can Serenade Garden be purchased?
13. Is Serenade safe to use even if I have outdoor pets?
14. Do I need to wear protective clothing (i.e. gloves) when using Serenade?
15. What if the spray gets into my eyes?
16. How long do I need to wait before re-applying Serenade?
17. On what parts of the plant do I apply the spray?
18. Can I use the spray directly on the fruit/flower?
19. How do I store Serenade?
20. But I thought Serenade Garden was safe for children and pets?
21. At what temperature should I store Serenade Garden?
22. What is the active ingredient in Serenade Garden?
23. Can I use Serenade Garden to treat diseases in my organic garden?
24. Where can I find out more about diseases affecting my plants?

1.      I am looking at the bottle, but I can't find the directions!

If you look at the back label of the product, you will notice small type that says "Peel back for First Aid, Precautionary Statements, and Directions for use," located on the lower right-side of the label. Gently pull back just the clear top layer of the label from the lower right-hand corner to reveal a booklet that contains directions for use and other handy information.

2.      How is Serenade applied?

Click here for complete mixing and application instructions.

3.      What plants can the spray be used on?

Vegetables, fruits and nuts including tomatoes, peppers, melons, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, onions, apples, pears and walnuts in addition to annual and perennial bedding plants and flowers, roses, potted flowers, foliage plants, trees and shrubs located in residential greenhouses and residential and commercial landscapes and interiorscapes.

4.       When do I use the spray?

For best results, apply product prior to disease development or at the first sign of infection.  Repeat every 7 days to protect new foliage.  Under conditions of high disease pressure or periods of frequent rainfall, shorten the spray interval (spray more often).  Do not water foliage within 4 hours of application.

5.      What does "conditions of high disease pressure" mean?

High disease pressure means the time of the season when conditions favor the development of disease.  This differs for each plant, but generally diseases begin to develop in humid, warm conditions (spring-time) and can continue throughout the growing cycle.  Check with your County Cooperative Extension (visit the CSREES / USDA website to locate your nearest Extension office) to find out what major diseases are common in your region, and how best to treat them.

6.      What time of year do I start spraying my fruit trees?

The time to start spraying fruit trees is based on the development of the tree and the prevailing weather conditions.  It is important to protect buds and flowers from diseases that may result in reduced fruit set or misshapen fruit.  These diseases are usually present under warm, wet conditions (for example: Fire Blight).  Later in the season leaf and fruit diseases that can reduce fruit size, cause blemishes to fruit, and/or destroy the fruit (for example: scabs and rusts) may have the potential to develop.

Diseases of fruit trees are unique to the species of tree and the region in which they are grown.  It is suggested that you consult the County Cooperative Extension Agent (visit the CSREES / USDA website to locate your nearest Extension office) in you area for recommendations about how best to protect your fruit trees from disease.

7.      What time of year should I start spraying to prevent mildews on my roses and other flowering plants?

The most common mildew disease of roses is powdery mildew.  Powdery mildew can begin to infect plants in the spring and be a problem throughout the growing season.  It is recommended that gardeners initiate a preventive spray program in the spring and protect plants throughout the growing season.  For more details on how to best protect the roses and other flowering plants in your area, please consult your County Cooperative Extension Agent (visit the CSREES / USDA website to locate your nearest Extension office).

8.      What time of year should I spray my tomatoes? squash? other garden veggies?

Depending upon the variety of vegetable you plant, the time of year, and where you live, recommendations on what disease to be on the lookout for will vary.  It is important to protect buds and flowers so that fruit can develop.  It is also important to provide some level of protection to leaves so the plant can grow vigorously, not to mention protecting the fruit to prevent blemishes or possible destruction.  This does not mean that one has to spray plants throughout the growing season, but gardeners should be scouting their gardens on a weekly basis to look for problems. For more details on how to best protect vegetables in your area consult your County Cooperative Extension Agent (visit the CSREES / USDA website to locate your nearest Extension office).

9.      Can I spray my houseplants?

Yes, but it is best to take them outdoors, spray them and then return them to the house.

10.  What is the best time of day to spray?

Anytime is fine – there are no timing restrictions for spraying Serenade Garden.

11.   Are there any  weather restrictions for Serenade Garden?

Unlike other products which can damage foliage if sprayed in high temperatures or in direct sunlight, Serenade Garden has no known phytotoxicity issues, and can be sprayed under any weather conditions.  It is recommended that you spray your plants after rain, as heavy rains can wash off any foliar treatments and leave your plants vulnerable to disease.

12.  Where can Serenade Garden be purchased?

Serenade is available for purchase at most Wal-Mart stores nationwide; look up the nearest store location using our store locator. It can also be purchased online through www.windowbox.com and www.amazon.com.  If you have a favorite garden store near you, they can special order it for you.  Have them call AgraQuest to find out how to stock Serenade Garden on their store shelves.

13.  Is Serenade safe to use even if I have outdoor pets?

Yes! Children and pets may play safely in and around the treated area.

14.  Do I need to wear protective clothing (i.e. gloves) when using Serenade?

Protective clothing is not necessary, but it is always a good idea to wear gloves in case of an allergic reaction.

15.  What if the spray gets into my eyes?

Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes.  Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. Call a doctor or poison control center for treatment advice.

16.  How long do I need to wait before re-applying Serenade?

There are no spray restrictions for Serenade Garden.  We recommend spraying every 7 days, but if disease conditions are severe, you will see better performance if you spray more often.

17.  On what parts of the plant do I apply the spray?

Spray leave, stems and new shoots to provide complete coverage of the entire plant.

18.   Can I use the spray directly on the fruit/flower?

Yes.  Serenade can safely be sprayed directly on flowers, fruits and vegetables. You can even harvest the treated flowers and vegetables on the same day you spray. Serenade can also safely be used on fruits intended for canning.

19.  How do I store Serenade?

Store in a dry area inaccessible to children.  Store in original container only.  Keep container closed when not in use.

20.   But I thought Serenade Garden was safe for children and pets?

Serenade Garden is safe to use in the garden where your children and pets play, however, like many household products, Serenade Garden could be harmful if ingested. 

Unlike most disease-control products, however, Serenade Garden is not made from synthetic chemicals, and does not have restrictions about staying out of the treated area for any length of time, or about handling fruits, flowers, or leaves treated by the product.

21.  At what temperature should I store Serenade Garden?

Room temperature is fine.

22.   What is the active ingredient in Serenade Garden?

Serenade Garden is made from a strain of a naturally occurring microbe called Bacillus subtilis.   Farmers have used this biological pesticide for years to treat plant diseases in food crops.  Bacillus subtilis penetrates and destroys the disease spores, but does not harm any beneficial insects or wildlife.   This ingredient is also approved by the EPA & USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic gardening.

23.  Can I use Serenade Garden to treat diseases in my organic garden?

Yes!  Serenade Garden is approved by the EPA & USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), and is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic gardening.

24.  Where can I find out more about diseases affecting my plants?

University programs devoted to plant diseases, agriculture, and horticulture, are the best resources for up-to-date, location-specific information about diseases and weather patterns affecting the plants in your region. Most major universities have extension programs dedicated to horticulture & home gardening in your county, called a County Cooperative Extension. Search online (visit the CSREES / USDA website) or look in the yellow pages for your nearest Extension office.