HOMEMADE SPRAYS FOR ORGANIC PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

I thought I would share 3 homemade sprays that I use quite often in the vegetable garden. The recipes have been adapted from Annette McFarlane’s website: Successful Gardening.http://www.annettemcfarlane.com/  While nothing can beat healthy organic soil for growing healthy plants, having a few additional weapons up your sleeve, when pests appear on the scene or disease sets in, can be a bonus. These sprays aren’t “cure-alls” but are helpful for remedying problems in the garden or at least preventing them from getting worse.

1. CHILLI SPRAY

Lots of pests are deterred by the smell of chillis. You can use garlic if you prefer or a combination of both garlic and chillis. Spray once a week on leaves or as needed. Just be careful to follow the quantities given so that it doesn’t burn the leaves especially in hot weather.

CHILLI SPRAY

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup of hot chillis
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp Castille soap or mild liquid detergent

METHOD

1. Roughly chop chillis.
2. Place chillis and water in saucepan.
3. Simmer for 30 mins .
4. Allow to cool (can leave overnight if you wish)
5. Add liquid detergent, strain and pour into 500ml spray bottle.

 

2. BI-CARBONATE SODA SPRAY

Homemade bi-carb spray is helpful for any fungal diseases that may develop on your plants.eg. blight. I It is an alkaline spray and prevents fungal spores from germinating on leaves. As I said earlier, it may not eradicate the problem but should stop it from getting any worse. Spray once a week or as needed.

BI-CARB SPRAY

INGREDIENTS

• 500 ml water
• 1 tsp bi-carb soda
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp Castille soap or mild liquid detergent

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in a 500 ml spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.

From time to time, I also use a milk spray if plants develop powdery mildew. This is simply made by mixing 1 part cows milk with 9 parts water. Spray once a week on affected plants or as needed.

 

3.  MOLASSES SPRAY

Molasses spray is said to be effective against caterpillars and other chewing pests. The little critters apparently find the concoction bitter and distasteful to their palate. Spray once a week or as needed.

MOLASSES SPRAY

INGREDIENTS

• 500 ml water
• 1/2 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 tsp Castille soap or mild liquid detergent

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in a 500 ml spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.