My Super Not-So-Secret Organic Garden Bug Spray
I found this really good recipe on the web called "Garlic fire spray". I tried it out and it has shooed the bugs away effectively. Here it is:
Super Organic Garlic Fire Garden Bug Spray
2-3 garlic bulbs put through a garlic press (about 6-10 cloves per bulb)
1-2 Tbl. hot chili powder
1 Tbl. Cayenne (my addition - hey now, I'm Cajun. Everything is better with Cayenne! Except ice cream.)
1 Tbl. vegetable oil
3 squirts of liquid detergent (I used dish soap)
1-2 cups of water for the blender (you will add 5 cups of water after you take it out of the blender)
Put everything in the blender and blend on the highest speed. I had to strain it twice through a tea towel (if you don't it will clog your spray bottle). I got a cheap container at the dollar store to store it in. I used an old clean spray bottle. Keep it in a cupboard or shelf. Label it well so no one thinks it is some homemade hot sauce. Yuck!
Lower the water dilution rate if you are still seeing buggies. Spray gently on young plants. I haven't seen any damage to my young ones.
The smell is pretty garlicky, but isn't too bad. You have to respray frequently after a rain or watering. Spray every few days until there is no sign of pests, then about every week or 10 days for any eggs or larvae that may have hatched. I especially make sure and get the bottoms of the leaves to kill eggs.
Kills ants, aphids, caterpillars, grubs... I wouldn't spray it on flowers so the bees aren't harmed when they come for a snack. Careful of the ladybugs and other beneficial bugs. It also deters pets, rabbits, gophers, woodchucks...
Super Organic Garlic Fire Garden Bug Spray
2-3 garlic bulbs put through a garlic press (about 6-10 cloves per bulb)
1-2 Tbl. hot chili powder
1 Tbl. Cayenne (my addition - hey now, I'm Cajun. Everything is better with Cayenne! Except ice cream.)
1 Tbl. vegetable oil
3 squirts of liquid detergent (I used dish soap)
1-2 cups of water for the blender (you will add 5 cups of water after you take it out of the blender)
Put everything in the blender and blend on the highest speed. I had to strain it twice through a tea towel (if you don't it will clog your spray bottle). I got a cheap container at the dollar store to store it in. I used an old clean spray bottle. Keep it in a cupboard or shelf. Label it well so no one thinks it is some homemade hot sauce. Yuck!
Lower the water dilution rate if you are still seeing buggies. Spray gently on young plants. I haven't seen any damage to my young ones.
The smell is pretty garlicky, but isn't too bad. You have to respray frequently after a rain or watering. Spray every few days until there is no sign of pests, then about every week or 10 days for any eggs or larvae that may have hatched. I especially make sure and get the bottoms of the leaves to kill eggs.
Kills ants, aphids, caterpillars, grubs... I wouldn't spray it on flowers so the bees aren't harmed when they come for a snack. Careful of the ladybugs and other beneficial bugs. It also deters pets, rabbits, gophers, woodchucks...
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