At one time or another, most gardens require maintenance beyond pruning and watering. Pests and illness strike even the healthiest plants, necessitating the use of herbicidal, fungicidal and insecticidal sprays. Many gardeners prefer to avoid harsh chemical sprays that may be harmful to people and pets, and instead opt for organic treatments. Creating homemade organic garden spray is a viable option for gardeners with mild to moderate pest infestations, and for those seeking to prevent infestations from occurring. Several formulas for simple and easy to prepare spray solutions exist, including some made from common household goods. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Homemade Organic Fungicidal Spray
1. Combine 5 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tbsp. canola oil with 1 gallon of water. Mix the ingredients until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. The oil will stay suspended on the top of the water so it is important to stir the mixture while pouring it into the bottle.
3. Apply a light layer of the solution to all parts of the plant, including under the leaves, to treat powdery mildew, brown patch and black spot. Reapply the solution following heavy rain.
Homemade Organic Insect Repellent Spray
4. Smash two bulbs of garlic with a hammer or meat tenderizer to break the cloves apart. Use two large bulbs or three smaller bulbs.
5. Place the garlic in a food processor with two fresh habanero peppers. Pour 1 cup water into the food processor and pulse the ingredients until a thick paste is formed.
6. Strain the paste through cheesecloth to separate the solids from the liquid. Mix the liquid with 1 gallon of water to dilute it.
7. Pour the garlic-pepper water into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture before applying it.
8. Spray the aerial portions of the plant and the soil at the base with the garlic-pepper solution to repel slugs, snails, flies and other insects. Reapply the mixture as needed.
Homemade Organic Herbicidal Spray
9. Combine 1 gallon white or cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. orange oil and 1 tsp. liquid soap. Shake the ingredients to combine them.
10. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
11. Spray the mixture on weeds, root suckers and other unwanted vegetative growth to kill it. Reapply it after three days to ensure the job is done.
12. Use the spray on hot, windless days for best results.
Tags: Homemade Organic, into spray, into spray bottle, spray bottle, baking soda, food processor, gallon water