FANTASTIC 3 IN 1 INSECT AND FUNGI SPRAY
If you want to try something that can kill a broad range of insects Plus some fungal diseases, try this 3 in 1 solution.
Sure we've all heard about, and used garlic sprays for organic pest control for years, but you usually just see recipes that only contain garlic and water.
This recipe is better for many reasons, but mainly because it contains 3 things that bugs, and some fungi, simply don't like: Garlic, Mineral Oil, and Soap.
It will control a wide range of insects, and many soft bodied insects including aphids and whiteflies, plus a few fungal diseases like leaf spot and mildews because garlic has anti-fungal properties.
Always Test First
As always, with any new spray you want to try, test it on 1 or 2 leaves of your plant first and make sure it doesn't burn the foliage or have any adverse reactions before spraying your entire plant. You just never know what kind of reaction certain plants will have, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Spray Early
Also, always spray first thing in the morning while the wind is down, temperatures are cooler, and beneficials are relatively inactive. Never spray anything (except herbicides) during mid-day, or in full sun, because you can run the risk of burning your plants.
Organic Doesn't Mean It Can't Harm Beneficials
Just because some sprays are homemade, doesn't mean that they can't harm beneficials. They can, so pay attention to what you are spraying, and spray early in the day while beneficials are most inactive. If you see beneficials in the area, you may want to wait.
Make The Garlic Oil Solution
- Soak 3 ounces (85 g) of minced garlic in 2 teaspoons of mineral oil for 24 hours
- Strain out the garlic and add 1 pint (600 ml) of water and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the remaining liquid
- Mix together well
To Spray Plants
- Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of the garlic-soap mixture with 1 pint (600 ml) water and spray plants
Because homemade mixtures have no preservatives, you're better off dumping any you have left over, and simply mixing a fresh batch every time you want to spray.
|