Fight Pests Naturally and Save Money
Garden pests can be a nuisance and reduce crop yields. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to chemical-intensive practices, which result in improved soil qualities.
Insect Killer (Outdoors):
Combine 2-3 chilli peppers, half an onion, 1 clove of garlic and half a green pepper. Blend with 2 cups of water, steep 1 to 2 days, strain, and spray on unwanted insects.
Diamataceous Earth:
A product available at informed garden centres or by mail order. Good for repelling all crawling insects.
Gardening Tips:
Try planting garlic, radishes, onions or marigolds around your garden. Most insects do not like the strong smells that these plants give out.
Insect Repellent (Indoors):
Use 1 tbsp. of any non-detergent soap and add 1 tsp. of alcohol to each litre of water. Spray liberally on the underside of leaves.
Weed Killer:
Mix 5 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 litre of boiling water and 2 tbsp. of salt. Spray on weeds to kill them.
Fungi Killer:
Spray a solution of 4 tsp. baking soda per gallon of water along with a few drops of liquid soap. Re-apply your mixture after every rainfall.
Rabbit Repellent:
Spread a band of scented talcum powder around the border. Re-apply the powder after every rainfall.
Grub Killer:
Use nematodes that can be purchased at garden centres or through mail order. They are selective and kill many harmful insects – not just grubs.
Call In the Reinforcements:
Try planting parsley, dill, and woodruff to attract friendly, beneficial insects. Ladybugs and other beneficial insects enjoy being around these plants.
Grandma’s Simple Soap Solution:
Mix 2 tbsp. of soap flakes with 1 litre of water, and spray on garden pests.
Gain Way With Garlic Oil:
Soak 85g of minced garlic in 2 tsp of mineral oil for 24 hrs. Strain, add 600ml of water and 1 tsp.of liquid soap. Spray on plants to control insects and some fungal disease.
Simply Put – Soap and Oil:
Add 1 tbsp of liquid soap to 1 cup of oil (you choose). Mix with 1 cup of water, spray on plants to control various insect pests.
You Need Neem Spray:
Shave 1 tbsp off a bar of neem soap (found at health food stores). Add this to 1 litre of water and let sit for 1 hour. Spray on pests.
Bug Juice:
Collect 1/2 cup of your problem pest. Place in a blender with 2 cups of lukewarm water; liquefy; strain and dilute 1/4 cup of solution with 2 cups of water. Pour into a spray bottle and head for the garden to teach the rest a lesson.
Mulch For Weeds:
Apply a thick layer of mulch (ex. Wood chips) between plants after the soil has dried to deter growth of any weeds.