Make Your Own Organic Insecticides, It's Easy

Well here is some useful info for you gardeners out there. I've been a busy bee in the garden this summer (which means no new things in the store really) and this weekend is no exception. Came across these recipes in this months issue of  Organic Gardening magazine and thought I would share for those who also like playing in the dirt.

 ~All-Purpose Spray~
"works on a multitude of pests, including slugs and Japanese Beetles"

• 1 garlic bulb
• 1 small onion
• 1 tsp powdered
• cayenne pepper
• 1 quart water
• 1 tbls liquid dish soap

Chop the garlic and onion in a blender. Add the cayenne pepper & water. Steep for one hour. Strain through a cheesecloth. Add liquid dish soap so the spray sticks to plant leaves. Mix well. Spray the mixture on both sides of the leaves. Store remaining spray in a labeled jar in the fridge. Note: Certain plants are very sensitive to soaps and can develop leaf burn. Always test on a leaf or two the day before spraying the whole plant.

~Hot Pepper Spray~
"Easy to make hot pepper spray repels insects and curious cats and dogs when they eat treated plants. Wear rubber gloves when preparing and uding the mixture. The peppers can cause irritation."

• 1/2 cup hot peppers
• 2 cups water

Puree peppers and water in a blender. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth. Apply every 5 to 7 days until pests are gone.

~Tomato-Leaf Spray~
"the alkaloids found in tomato leaves are toxic to soft-bodied pests such as aphids. Bonus: This spray also will attract the beneficial Trichogramma wasp, which preys on corn-earworm eggs."

• 1 to 2 cups tomato leaves
• 4 cups water

Gather tomato leaves from the bottom of the plant so won't interfere with tomato production. Mash or chop the leaves and add 2 cups water. Let steep overnight. The following day, strain out the leaves and discard. Dilute the liquid with 2 more cups of water. Spray on the effected leaves, especially the undersides of the lower leaves where aphids congregate. To lure Trichogramma wasps, spray the entire corn plant.