I have been using this basic organic pesticide in my garden, especially on my lemon tree, and it is working wonders. I know we both hate using these harsh chemical pesticides and with the help of Margret Roberts, I have been successful with this mix.
Take a bucket (I’m not quite there yet with this huge quantity) of basil or any pungent strong herb. Pour 1 to 2 buckets of boiling water over this and leave to draw and cool overnight. Next morning, strain this and add 1/2 cup grated Sunlight Soap (the dishwashing green bar) or Sunlight Soap powder – it is the pureset you can get with no added detergents. Mix well and then splash on plants.
I use a spray container and spray liberally and then rub it gently onto the infected leaves upside and underside of the leaves. You can also pour around plants and down ant holes. Evenings are usually the best time to spray the organic pesticide because all the good bugs (like the bees and the lady bugs) have gone to ‘bed’. Eventhough it is safe, I just take extra precautions.
Try it out – I am sure you will find it safe and effective!
Happy gardening xxxxx
7 replies on “Basic organic pesticide”
Thanks for all the input!! One can do so much without all the harmful chemicals!
I found using garlic really worked well and ever since I planted the garlic cloves in between my miniature roses I haven’t seen a single ant or aphid anywhere near them. So spraying with garlic makes a lot of sense. I prefer the smell of Basil, so I’m going to give that a try. My poor Lemon Tree needs all the help it can get!
I use Sunlight ‘soap’ powder in the washing machine, as a compromise for the grey water. But if you read the small print, it does contain detergents and additives. Remember when we used to get those little diamond shaped Lux soapflakes for hand washing delicates?
I don’t use pesticide in my garden, I make my own organic pesticide.
I need to know what I put in my plate, I don’t want poison.
I too heard of the garlic mix, so using basil was new to me too, but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks Barbara, I am going to add it to my files.
What a great tip! I new you could use soaps as pesticides but never had it explained properly. I thought it would burn the plants.
I have heard of doing this with garlic… had no idea any herb could be used. I think I would prefer basil on a hot summer day over garlic. Thanks for the tip.