If you're like me you probably don't like using harsh pesticides and other chemicals in your vegetable garden, for me that's a big reason why I'm growing my own food to begin with. While I could certainly try to entice "good" insects into my garden such as ladybugs, lacewings, and crab spiders. I figured I'd be just as well off trying to combat the pests on my own. After a little research I came across several homemade pesticides and found a recipe that seems to be working great. Made from onions, peppers, garlic and dish soap I figured this would work great.
Things you'll need:
- One gallon container, such as a milk jug
- Spray bottle
- 2 Large pots (must hold one gallon or more)
- Strainer
- Kitchen towel
- 1 large onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- Funnel (makes it easier pouring the mix into your spray bottle)
- Fill your one gallon container with water and empty into your large pot. Turn the stove up to high and bring the water to a boil.
- Place the onion, jalapeno pepper, clove of garlic all into a food processor and bring the vegetables to a puree mixture.
- Pour the vegetable puree mixture into the large pot and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Using the strainer and kitchen towel laid over the strainer (to catch the blended veggies), empty the boiling water into your second pot.
- Once strained, empty the water back into your first gallon container (milk jug) and add 1 tablespoon of dish soap, Dawn works great, and shake to mix well.
- Carefully pour the final mixture into a spray bottle. The rest can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Do you use any homemade or commercial pesticides in your garden?