Citrus Oil and Cayenne Pepper
This organic pesticide works well on ants. Mix 10 drops of citrus essential oil with one teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 cup of warm water. Shake well and spray on the affected areas.Citrus Oil and Cayenne Pepper – This organic pesticide works well on ants. Mix 10 drops of citrus essential oil with one teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 cup of warm water. Shake well and spray on the affected areas.
Eucalyptus Oil
A great natural pesticide for flies, bees, and wasps. Simply sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil where the insects are found. They will all be gone before you know it.
Salt Spray
For treating plants infested with spider mites, mix two tablespoons of Himalayan Crystal Salt into one gallon of warm water and spray on infected areas.
Herbal fertilisers
Comfrey
One comfrey plant will provide 4 crops a year. Comfrey fertiliser supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and trace elements. Method: Pick the leaves from late spring to mid summer. Let them wilt for at least 48 hours, mulch them and apply directly to plants. You may also soak fresh leaves in water for 4 weeks and use the liquid as a fertiliser. Dilute – 1 cup to 2 litres water.
Dill – Rich in potassium, sulphur, sodium and other minerals
Tansy – Rich in potassium and other minerals
Yarrow – Provides copper and an excellent general fertiliser
Recipe: Pour 1 litre of boiling water over a handful of fresh leaves or dried leaves. Cover and infuse overnight. Never use aluminium vessels.
Liquid organic fertiliser
This is a form of liquid compost, but seen more as a tea or tonic for plants and is essential to young or weak plants. There are various ways to make this up, either with comfrey or yarrow leaves, chamomile, or even with the weeds you pull out. These weeds grow from the ground that which the ground needs – so in turn your seedlings or the weak plants are deficient or may be in need of what the ground cannot offer.
Egg Shells
Wash them first, then crush. Work the shell pieces into the soil near tomatoes and peppers. The calcium helps fend off blossom end rot. Eggshells are 93% calcium carbonate, the same ingredient as lime, a tried and true soil amendment! I use eggshells in my homemade potting mix. This gives me healthy, beautiful fruits fit for seed saving and keeps cutworms away.
– compiled by Julisa Petersen
(Editor of the Planting Calendar and Garden Guide)
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