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How To: Make Organic Pesticide
Melbourne

100608pest.jpgWith it being spring here in Australia, all our vegetables are starting to sprout in our vegie-patch. However, insects are starting to nibble on these little growths! We don't want to use harsh chemicals on our fresh vegies so we did some hunting and came across a recipe for an organic pesticide which will deter aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

 
 

Organic Pesticide
Ingredients:
8-10 red chillies, finely sliced
1 tablespoon of soap flakes [or grated soap]
1 litre of boiled water
1 spray bottle

Method:
1. Chop the chillies finely then combine all ingredients into a jug , cover and set aside for 24hours.
2. Strain and pour into a labelled spray bottle
3. Start spraying!

This pesticide can be used on all plants but remember to wash any vegies, fruit or herbs before eating them. We’re only going to use this on things that we eat as we’d like to keep as many insects in our yard as we can.

Do you have any alternative solutions?

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AT Australia, gardening, How To..., garden, organic, how to, australia, pesticide

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Comments (6)

is this just an insect repellant or does it actually kill bugs (which is how a pesticide is defined).

posted by *heather leaf* on October 6th 2008 at 1:49pm
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Would castile soap work in place of the grated kind?

posted by Ariana on October 6th 2008 at 5:31pm
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I prefer neem oil. Sesame oil works well too.

posted by Miriam on October 6th 2008 at 8:06pm
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anyone know how to make raccoon repeller?

posted by parrishnut on October 7th 2008 at 3:53am
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@ Parrishnut: We use fox/coyote urine granules. Of course I wouldn't want to be the person chasing after either to collect them!

posted by kosmicfreeway on October 7th 2008 at 5:27am
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You can add 2 cloves of crushed garlic to this mix. Be warned, it will smell hideous.

I would think castile soap would probably be fine. (I imagine you mean a liquid?) Not sure of the ratio, though. Would start at about the same (1 Tbs.)

posted by whytephoenix on October 7th 2008 at 5:59am
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