For those of you that have a backyard garden, you are well aware of the trials and tribulations that are involved with the entire process. Between weather, weeds, fungi, insects, and soil fertility, there is a lot that can go wrong, and in some cases, not a lot that can be done about it.
You may not be able to do a whole lot about the weather (that is 100% mother nature), but you can get a handle on your unwanted garden pests using everyday items that are in your kitchen, and we are here to tell you how. Remember to never apply these remedies on a warm and/or sunny day as they may result in burning of the plant and its leaves.
Garlic Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: All insects
What You Need: garlic, water, liquid soap, vegetable oil (optional)
Process: Puree the garlic in a food processor with some water. Have the mixture sit overnight, then strain it into a jar with a teaspoon of liquid soap and about a ½ cup of vegetable oil (optional). Be sure to add enough water to fill up the rest of the jar. When you are ready to use the remedy, use 1 cup of concoction with 1 quart of water. Spray the bottom of the leaves every few days.
Orange & Banana Peel Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: Ants and aphids
What You Need: Orange peels, banana peels
Process: These fruit peels contain something called d-limonene which works to disintegrate the waxy bodies of these insects and killing them. In order for this to work effectively, cut up the peels and bury them about 1-2 inches down in the soil. You can also cut them up and disperse them around the stem of the affected plant.
Baking Soda Remedy
Targeted Garden Pest: Powdery mildew and other fungus
What You Need: Baking soda, dishwashing soap, water
Process: Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap, and 1 gallon of water. Spray affected areas of the plant and be sure to reapply once every 1-2 weeks.
Oil Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: Many insects such as aphids, thrips, mites etc.
What You Need: Liquid soap, vegetable oil, water
Process: Combine 1 tablespoon of soap with 1 cup of vegetable oil and shake vigorously. When ready to use, mix 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 1 quart of water. Use by spraying directly on the plants affected areas. The oil in mixture ideally coats the bodies of the pests and suffocates them, blocking the pores that they breathe with.
Chile Pepper Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: All insects (and rodents)
What You Need: Liquid soap, fresh hot peppers or chile pepper powder, water
Process: When using chile pepper powder, combine 1 tablespoon of the powder with 1 quart of water and a little bit of liquid soap. When using fresh chile peppers, blend ½ of peppers with 1 cup of water. Next, add 1 quart of water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once cooled down, strain the liquid, and add some liquid soap. Be sure to try the insecticide on a small portion of the plant before you start spraying it around as it could cause leaf damage if it is too strong. If it does indeed cause leaf damage, dilute it and try again.
Cinnamon Damping-Off Disease Remedy
Targeted Garden Pest: Fungus (damping-off disease)
What You Need: Cinnamon
Process: Damping-off disease is a fungus that spreads throughout a plant’s seedlings, attacking its roots and and stems. By sprinkling cinnamon on the affected seedlings, the disease will killed.
Beer Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: Snails and Slugs
What You Need: Beer
Process: Have a problem with snails and slugs? Pour some beer in a shallow bowl and put it out in close proximity to the affected plants. These pests are drawn to the substance but won’t be able to get out of the bowl and will stay trapped.
Apple Cider Vinegar Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: Fruit flies and aphids
What You Need: Apple Cider Vinegar
Process: Place a jar of apple cider vinegar near the affected plants and the substance will attract the pests, leaving them to drown.
Egg Shells Remedy
Targeted Garden Pest: Slugs, cutworms, etc.
What You Need: Eggshells
Process: The sharp edges of the broken egg shells ward off these insects, keeping them far away from your plants. Break them up and sprinkle them around the stems, above the soil.
Garlic & Pepper Insecticide
Targeted Garden Pest: Hornworms, aphids, caterpillars, cabbage worms, flea beetles, etc.
What You Need: Hot peppers, garlic, liquid soap, onion, water
Process: Combine 6 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of dried hot pepper, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, 1 minced onion, and 1 gallon of hot water, and let sit for 1-2 days. Strain the liquid and pour into a spray bottle. Spray liberally on plants leaves. Be sure to reapply after rain.
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