Home made bug spray - Any ideas...

[Veggie Patch]

Hi All,

Not really wanting to spray my veg and plants with chemicals so i wondered if anyone could offer any advice on sprays or soloutions i can make up at home, Ideally would like to use everyday items

As an example I seem to remember my grandfather using soapy water in a spray bottle although i don't know what pest that was used to control or if it actaully was a diy bug/pest control.

Any ideas most welcome.

[fivespud364]

soapy water is a good home made solution for aphids etc if caught early enough

[smallholdings]

hi there,
loose leaf tobacco soaked in water and sprayed on the leaves and stems is good for most bugs. not ever being a smoker i couldn't recommend which brand!

[layla17]

I don't know much about the tobacco leaves, but I'm sure the menthol leaves have a great smell to them!

[whitedragon]

grow some chives chop them up poor boiling water on them leave to cool

then put into sprayer and away you go used it last year on roses got rid of all the green fly and black fly didnt get one all summer

[Linda]

Well, one thing that I know against snails - although it's not a spray - is to stomp some egg shells and put them in your garden. Got that tip from my aunt. She said that's the way she protects her flowers in London - got a small house in the States too - and she got that advice from a gardening shop. Maybe you can ask a small flower shop. They might have an idea that could help you.

[stanhol]

I heard Garlic soaked and used as a spray is also good. I dont have the quantities though i`m afraid.

Sandra

[corrie]

I tried the soap water thing and burned my peppers and basil, but I think I used too much soap! I think a little goes a long way!

[Lesley Jay]

Corrie did you use antibacterial washing up liquid because that stuff will burn or kill the plants.

[corrie]

Umm...yes! I thought it worked if a small enough amount was used but I was very wrong. What is the correct ratio of water to soap and what kind of soap is safe to use? I'm new to this!