Natural Pest Repellent For Your Garden
Pest Control Can Be Natural and Effective
As the warm days of spring slowly creep back into view, we start to think about planting our summer vegetable gardens and day-dreaming about the delicious organic veggies that will soon be available right in your backyard. But, we all know that planning an organic garden is much easier than actually cultivating an organic garden throughout the planting season.
Be Aware Before You Plant
Start with natural fertilizers, but the real obstacle is learning how to overcome the armies of bugs that will eventually come to eat all the organic veggies you planted. Your first thought might be to grab the first bottle of commercial spray you see. But, learning the tips and tricks of eco-friendly DIY pest control will save your garden. Not only will you maintain your organic status, but you will have peace of mind that you will not be adding chemicals into the water supply.
Oil and Soap Sprays Evades Pests
One simple solution is a combination of
- 1 cup of vegetable oil mixed with one tablespoon of mild soap.
- Add this solution to 1 quart of water in a heavy plastic spray bottle and shake well.
Spray lightly on plants. This eco-friendly mixture works well against small bugs, such as aphids, mites, and thrips. The solution works by coating the inspects bodies in oils and suffocating them.
Similar to an oil spray, this DIY pesticide uses mild soap and water in a spray bottle.
- Take 1 ½ teaspoon of soap and mix it into 1 quart of water.
Spray lightly on to plants, but only in the early morning and mild evenings to avoid damaging the plants. Like the oil spray, this solution coats the bugs and suffocates them.
Putting Spices to Work Garlic
Garlic is a natural pesticide and repels slugs, snails, and other similar vegetable chewing inspects from your garden. Just leave a few garlic cloves in water. It is truly a simple solution that is both effective and perfectly safe.
Chili pepper is also a natural pesticide and bug repellant. Mix one tablespoon of chili powder with 1 quart of water and a few drops of mild soap. Shake well in a plastic spray bottle and spray your plants. This spicy combination keeps both pests and predators out of your garden.
Other Natural Repellants
When you are planning your organic veggie garden, prevention might be easier than elimination when it comes to pests. Luckily, there are insect-repelling plants you can weave into your garden design.
- Petunias have an odor that deters aphids, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.
- Chrysanthemums repel ants, ticks, cockroaches, and silverfish.
- The beautiful scents of lavender plants keep mosquitos, ants, and flies away.
- Herbs such as mint, rosemary, basil, and cilantro keep bugs away and add inviting aromas to your garden.
Protect Your Harvest
Regardless of the vegetables, you plant or your strategy of organic pest control, take some time to learn how to protect your harvest from harmful bugs without harming the environment. Plus, having a chemical-free garden means chemical-free food – and nothing is more satisfying than healthy, flavorful food you grow organically at home.
If you’ve found these DIY Natural Pest Repellent ideas helpful, makes sure to share them with your friends and family!