Getting Rid of Garden Pests

We are trying to stay away from pesticides as we plant our garden. Yes, you heard it here first, our square foot garden will be constructed this weekend and filled with wonderful growing vegetables. Cross your fingers, eyes and toes that we can actually eat something out of it. We promise to keep you “in the loop” as to how we are doing.

In the mean time, here are some great non-pesticide solutions that come from your kitchen, work well, and won’t poison pets, crawling children, or your produce.

Simple Soap Solution

2 Tbs. soap flakes
2 litre warm water

Dissolve soap flakes in water and apply directly to infested areas every 5-7 days. Note: Too much soap can cause burning on plants. Pests affected: aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Garlic Oil Spray

10-15 cloves of minced garlic
2 tsp. mineral oil
600 ml water
1 tsp. liquid dish soap

Soak garlic in mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain garlic out and add 600 ml water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Mix thoroughly. Spray plants with this solution.
Pests affected: Aphids, spider ites, and whiteflies

Fungicide for Mildew and Black Spot

1 tsp. baking soda
1 litre water
1 tsp. soap flakes

Dissolve baking soda in 1 litre of warm water. Add soap flakes to help solution cling to leaves. Remove infected leaves from plant, then spray top and bottom of remaining leaf surfaces to control spread of the disease.

Sticky Traps

1-2 Tbsp. Vaseline or preferably, Unpetroleum Jelly
4”x8” plastic cards or cardboard
Waterproof yellow paint

Apply paint onto both sides of the card and let it dry. Once the paint is dry, apply petroleum Jelly liberally over both sides of the card. Place the card just above the plant canopy.

Pests controlled:Flying pests, such as fungus gnats, and whiteflies.

Sowbug Traps

1 small plastic container with lid
2 Tbsp. cornmeal

Cut a small hole at the base of the container, large enough and close enough to the bottom to allow sowbugs to climb in. Place cornmeal in container. Place container into area infested with sowbugs. After feeding on the cornmeal, the bugs will drink and then explode!

(Replace cornmeal frequently.)