- Blend: Pulse the onion, garlic, and water in a blender until the mixture is liquefied.
- Steep: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes—up to a few hours for stronger potency.
- Strain: Pour the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a spray bottle, discarding solids.
- Add Spice (Optional): Stir in cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want an extra repellent effect.
- Use: Spray onto plant leaves and around the base. Apply weekly or as needed.
Recipe 3: Neem Oil Spray
Why It Works
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and has been used traditionally as a natural pesticide and fungicide. It disrupts the insect life cycle and can deter fungal issues.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neem oil (cold-pressed, 100% pure)
- 1 teaspoon mild liquid dish soap
- 1 quart (1 liter) of water
Instructions
- Emulsify: In a small bowl, combine neem oil with dish soap. This helps the oil mix better with water.
- Dilute: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle filled with water.
- Shake Well: Neem oil can separate; shake thoroughly before each use.
- Spray: Coat leaves (top and underside) and stems, focusing on areas with visible pests or signs of disease.
- Frequency: Apply every 7–14 days or follow product instructions if using a commercial neem oil concentrate.
Recipe 4: Alcohol & Soap Spray (For Stubborn Pests)
Why It Works
A small amount of rubbing alcohol helps break down the protective coatings of pests like mealybugs and scale insects, while soap aids in dehydrating them.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- 1 teaspoon mild dish soap
