Natural Pesticides For Garden Vegetables

Do you love your lawn and garden but hate the thought of using harmful and toxic pesticides or herbicides? Why not try these six proven do-it-yourself pest eliminators – all made from common ingredients that you may have in your kitchen right now!

1. To rid yourself of snails and slugs in your organic garden, add crushed eggshells to your soil. To them, it's walking on glass, so snails and slugs will tend to avoid the area entirely. If the slugs are a continuing problem, a few pinches of salt will make quick work of them. Sounds harsh but it is them or your plants.

2. Hot Peppers and garlic cloves are an effective deterrent for all types of pests. Blend a chopped garlic clove (without peeling), a couple of hot peppers or a jar of hot pepper sauce and a few drops of liquid bleach. Mix with water and add to a spray bottle and start hosing the invaders down. Don’t forget to spray the undersides of leaves where pests tend to hide. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. OUCH!

3. If a fungus has invaded your plants, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid and water and wipe it down. You’ll be surprised how quickly this will perk up sickly looking plants!

4. Nutrient-rich soil is one the best defenses against common garden ailments. Add organic mulch around trees and flower beds and a layer of organic soil to your lawn every single spring. The nutrients help keep plants fresh and act as a shield to protect your plants from parasites.

5. If mildew, mold or fungus is a problem, here’s a solution you can spray right on the plant that makes a big difference in a very short time. Combine a gallon of water, a tablespoon of baking soda and 2 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil. Put into a spray bottle and mist plants from top to bottom – even in places where there are no signs of a problem.

6. Stop wasting leftover coffee grounds, these make great ingredients to compost. They work as natural pesticides and literally “perk up” sickly plants. Place the grounds into the soil surrounding your plants. The acidity of the coffee is what keeps invaders at bay. Finally, consider enlisting the help of a “natural army” of ladybugs and earthworms. They help keep common pests like aphids away and keep the soil fertilized and healthy. Don't forget to walk around your organic garden often and inspect your plants for any signs of leaf damage. Remember that erly action is the key!

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