 | One of the most popular organic pest sprays, is that made from pyrethrin, the product of Tanacetum cinerarifolium, the pyrethrum daisy flower. If you grow these in your garden, you have the makings of your own natural pesticide. Gather flowers that are in full bloom, with the petals all reaching out from the center, but not yet starting to wither on the lower layers. Cut and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. When well-dried, crush the petals into a powder. Making your solution can be a matter of trial and error, in figuring out the quantities of powder and water, as it’s impossible to gauge the amount of pyrethrins in the powder. But making it stronger is better than weaker, and will do your plants no harm. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Store in a tightly sealed jar, as the pyrethrins lose their effectiveness once air hits them. This is one reason they make such an excellent natural pesticide. Pyrethrins lose their effectiveness after prolonged exposure to air and sunlight, which is why recommendations are to use them in the evening hours after the sun has started to go down. As a contact pesticide, it needs to get on the bugs, and you don’t want it drying up in the sun, first. Make sure you spray all around the leaves and stems of your plants. Apply a first spritz, and then go back and repeat it. The first spraying will disturb bugs that are harboring where you can’t see them, and they’ll come out and be exposed to the next application. Pyrethrins are considered safe on all food crops, as they are rendered inactive when exposed to sun and air. They are also safe for birds and small animals, but can be toxic to fish. Do not use near a waterway, or on plants next to a fish pond.
Killer Tomatoes
Like other members of the nightshade family, including tobacco and potatoes, the leaf of the tomato plant contains a great deal of alkaloids, something that can be highly effective against aphids, one of the most common of garden pests.
If you have a vegetable garden, or know a farmer with a tobacco crop, gather enough leaves that you can shred or chop them and compact the pieces into a one-cup measure. Add one cup of water and allow to sit for 24 hours. Drain through a fine cloth and add one more cup of water. For larger gardens, increase the amounts equally. Not only will this bring immediate benefits in getting rid of the aphids, but studies have shown that the alkaloids released in the air, actually attract more beneficial insects to your garden, to help with other pests.
Not Just For Vampires
The repellant properties of garlic oil have been known for some time. However, some gardeners are reluctant to have their flowers smell like an Italian dinner. The answer to that, is to properly prepare your solution. And if you find the initial mixture works quite well, then dilute it a little the next time you use it. Eventually, you’ll find the concentration that gives you the best results, with minimum odor. Another tip is to test a few leaves on plants that you may suspect are more tender than others. In two or three days, you should see whether the garlic will damage it or not.
To make your own garlic spray, take ˝ cup of minced garlic, and soak it for at least 24 hours, in 3 tablespoons of mineral oil. Add two cups of water, an ounce of liquid dish soap, then strain through a fine cloth. Store your “concentrate” in a sealed bottle, and use at a ratio of 1 tablespoon for every cup of water. (Some gardeners prefer to simmer their garlic in the two cups of water, then add the oil and let it sit for 24 hours. But it’s best done outside on a barbecue, as the mixture is very “aromatic”.)
|  |
|
