Keep vegetable gardens pest-free by using natural bug sprays.
If you have ever worked hard at growing a vegetable garden only to find that bugs are eating your vegetables, you know how discouraging that can be. However, you can spray the vegetable plants with an all natural bug spray, which you can make at home, that will keep the bugs off your plants, and not harm your family or the environment. Does this Spark an idea?
Soapy Water
Simple soapy water works to keep some insects off your vegetable plants. Mix your soap and water in a spray bottle, 3 parts water to 1 part dish soap. To use the mixture, simply spray the soapy water on your vegetable plants. Soak the leaves and any growing produce thoroughly. If it rains or if you water your garden, you may want to spray the plants again, as the soap will wash off.
Lemon Grass
Use Thai lemon grass to make a concoction that some insects do not like. Crush 1/2 cup of lemon grass leaves, and put them in a spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with rubbing alcohol. Spray this on your plants at the first sign of bugs. To prevent possible foliage damage, allow the solution to remain on the foliage for two hours and then off rinse with water.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is an inexpensive way to keep bugs off your vegetables. You will need 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil mixture to 1 cup of water and mix well. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray the vegetable's foliage. To prevent possible plant injury, test the solution on a small portion of foliage before using it on the entire plant. Wait 24 hours and if foliage injury does not occur, spray the entire plant. Do not use the mixture on plants when conditions are sunny and temperatures are above 80 degrees F. Spray the vegetable plants late in the evening. Use weekly to keep bugs at bay.
Garlic
Garlic is another ingredient that helps keep bugs off your vegetables. Grate a whole head of raw garlic, and mix it with 1 cup of vegetable oil. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for two days, or until the oil has a very strong garlic smell. Once the garlic smell is very strong, separate the garlic from the oil. Fill a spray bottle with 3 cups of warm water, 3 teaspoons of the garlic-infused oil and 2 teaspoons of dish soap. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Spray the mixture on your plants at the first sign of insect damage. To prevent plant damage, test the mixture on a small portion of the plant's foliage. Wait 24 hours and if damage does not occur, spray the entire plant. Do not apply to foliage when conditions are above 80 degrees F. and sunny. Apply the mixture late in the evening.
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