The pandemic opened the eyes of many that growing your own produce is essential and practical. People nowadays are growing their own vegetables and fruits, even a kitchen garden. There’s nothing like having a home garden to make you begin to appreciate the challenges and adversity of the farmers who grow our food. It can be a humbling experience to try to put food on the table with a home garden. But having a home garden has its problems too, especially those pests who love eating the leaves and fruit from many plants. Do you know that there are items in your kitchen that you can make as effective and natural pesticides? Here’s how to save your plants from bugs and insects.
1. Salt Spray
Salt spray is one of the best and most natural ways to make pesticides at home. It does not only prevent pests but also helps plants increase the absorption of magnesium. And take up vital nutrients like phosphorus and sulfur. You can add some salt to the water and stir the solution well. Put it in a spray bottle and sprinkle it on the plants. You can also sprinkle salt around the base of your plants. Don’t forget to apply every week.
2. Soap spray
Soap spray is effective for controlling mites, beetles, and other hungry little insects. To make a basic soap spray insecticide, mix 1 and ½ teaspoons of mild liquid soap with 4 cups of water. Spray the mixture directly on the infected surfaces of the plants. It is recommended to NOT apply it during the hot sunny part of the day, but rather in the evenings or early mornings.
3. Onion And Garlic Spray
These common kitchen ingredients can be used to knock down, or even knock out, insect infestations in the garden. To make an onion and garlic spray, take about one clove of garlic and one medium-sized onion and add some water. Let it stay for a while then add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of liquid soap to the mix. Use it on your plants to ensure that no bug infests your produce.
4. Vegetable Oil Spray
A homemade insecticide made from vegetable oil mixed with a mild soap can have a devastating effect on certain troublesome insects. To make this oil spray insecticide, mix one cup of vegetable oil with one tablespoon of soap. Then cover and shake thoroughly. When ready to apply, add two teaspoons of the oil spray mix with 4 cups of water, shake thoroughly. Spray on the plants which are being affected by the little pests. The oil coats the bodies of the insects which effectively suffocate them.
5. Chile Pepper Spray
Chile pepper spray is a great homemade natural insect repellent that can be used for a variety of pests. You can make this basic insecticide using chile pepper powder. Mix one tablespoon of chile powder with 4 cups of water and several drops of mild liquid soap. You can use this mixture in full strength on the leaves of affected plants. Hot chile is potent to humans, make sure to wear gloves when using it, and keep the spray away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
There are things that are beyond our control. If those bugs and insects keep on feasting in your home garden then seeking professional help like pest control Freehold is the right thing to do.
