8/9/2019 Garden sprays

1/2

Chemical Alternatives

Thanks to the World Wide Web, today s gardener has access to far more information thangardeners of 50 years ago. I believe today s gardener is also more aware, when it comes togarden chemicals.

We have choices. And if you choose to try some alternatives when it comes to tackling pestand disease problems, here are some simple solutions. Keep in mind that these solutions

probably won t work as fast as their chemical equivalent and may need several applicationsrather than one dose. I t also does not imply that these recipes are safe just because theyare home made. Treat them with respect.

SOAP SPRAYS are frequently used for soft bodied insects like aphids. They should only beapplied with low pressure because under high pressure, wi th an atomiser, they can be ahealth hazard.

Soap sprays can also damage plants and soil when used in excess . Regular use on plants canbreak down the protective waxy coating on plant leaves, a bit like breaking down the skin onour bodies or the paintwor k on cars not a good practice. Do a test spray first. Try one ortwo leaves and leave it for a few days to observe the results before spraying the wholeplant.

Choose a soap that is made from caustic potash and not caustic soda or use a Pure soap.Grate about 60 grams of the soap (with a cheese or vegetable grater), into a nine litrebucket of water, then swish the water until it is frothy. Pour into a watering can and sprayon to affected plants.

SOAP and BAKING SODA (BiCarb Soda) can be used as an anti-fungal spray. Try using itagainst downy mildew, black spot and fungal rusts. Again, be mindful of human and plantprotection. Do a spot test (on the plant, not yourself) and cover up, especially the eyes,when using the mixture. Also, do not use on a ho t day.

Dissolve about 150 grams of baking soda in the 9 litre bucket of water, and then add thesoap (60 grams). Use as described above.

COOKING OIL is often used to make a white oil solution to treat scale insects. Never use thisspray if the temperature rises above 24C (75F) and stays there for three or four days afterspraying. For some gardeners, that will mean NO spraying during the summer months.

Add one cup of water and two cups of cooking oil to a blender and mix until you get a milkywhite solution. This is the concentrate , which is then diluted with more water at the rate of 20 to 70 ml of concentrate per litre of water. This mixture separates out quite quickly somust be used strait away. Do not make any more than you need for an application .

8/9/2019 Garden sprays

2/2

M ILK SPRAYShave been used as a chemical alternative for black spot on roses, for like forever. Does it work? That depends on who you ask. The milk and water spray has anumber of uses, but the main use is, as a fungicide. It is also apparently a good spray fortreating mildew on cucurbits.

Mix one part real full cream milk with nine parts water. Some people suggest a ratio of 50/50, equal parts milk and water. Experiment a little and see what works for you. Spraywith a watering can or atomised sprayer but remember to always wash the containerthoroughly afterward. Off milk just smells well off.

M ILK and FLOUR can be mixed together to make a spray against red spider mite, twospotted mite and azalea lace bug. Mix four cups of flour with a quarter cup of milk, pour into a baking dish, oh, sorry wrong recipe.(My attempt at humour).

Mix four cups of flour with a quarter cup of milk then a dd mixture to 20 litres of water,stirring constantly until well mixed. Spray on to all surfaces of the plant and repeat everytwo days until symptoms subside (critters disappear). Wash equipment well.

SUGAR, most people s addiction, is used as a soil dren ch to control nematodes. Dissolve twokilograms of sugar (I don t think the nematodes mind which sort) in ten litres of water. (agreat syrup for preserving fruit) and pour over the soil where there is suspected nematodeactivity. Although this drench works to destroy nematodes, unfortunately it will have thesame effect on worms and other soft bodied soil life. Use at your discretion.

SALT is a great weed killer but don t go there. It is very bad for the soil. Use boiling waterinstead.

If you have any other gems that can be used in the garden instead of chemicals, let meknow.