Video - Why Organic Pest Control Is the Wrong Solution

Here is a very brief but well-conceived video on why controlling pests using natural insecticides is the wrong focus. Phil Nauta, also known as "The Smiling Gardener" explains why focusing on killing bugs - even by natural means - is short-sighted and misses the root cause of the problem altogether.

Check it out, and to learn more about Phil's methods and philosophy, just click the link below the video.

Organic Pest Control - Why It's The Wrong Solution
Today I'm talking about organic pest control. The natural pest control industry for gardens is doing pretty well. That's a good thing, we don't want to be using these toxic products anymore. But there are a few issues still with this.

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Video - One More Easy & Natural Pesticide Recipe

Here's a quick video from a friendly Aussie on another natural pesticide recipe you can use in your garden to control pests naturally. This one contains only water and a couple of different oils, so it is very safe, and easy to make - you don't even need a blender or anything like that for this one. Check it out, and if it works for you, we'd love to hear your experiences - or suggestions for your own recipes that you've used successfully to control pests in your organic garden!

Natural Pest Control For Your Vegetable Garden
besthealthever.com BUGS, BUGS, BUGS. They've been eating a lot of my lettuce, kale & spinach lately. So I thought it was time to do some research on natural pest control & here's what I found out. You don't need to use any chemicals, not that I would...

5 Natural Home-Made Pesticide Recipes

There’s no doubt, a few bugs can ruin a great garden.  Yet if you don’t like the idea of consuming poisons with your fruits and vegetables, you’re probably a bit wary of spraying your garden with chemical pesticides.  The good news is there are several natural steps you can take to eliminate garden pests, including making your own pesticides for your organic garden.  Here are five natural pesticides you can safely make at home.

Spray bottle - you'll need one for most recipes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1.  Tobacco Spray

To combat caterpillars, aphids, and several types of worms, mix a gallon of water and a cup of tobacco.  Allow the mixture to set for a day, until it resembles weak tea.  Spray on your garden vegetables.  However, avoid your peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, or any other member of the solanaceous family, as the tobacco spray can kill them.

2.  Garlic Pepper Spray

To combat slugs and a number of other insects, mix together one minced garlic bulb, one minced onion, one quart of water, a tablespoon of cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of dish soap.  Spray veggies to protect against bugs. 

3.  Liquid Dish Soap Spray

This pesticide works quite well on mites for both indoor and outdoor plants. Use natural, biodegradable soaps or something like Murphy’s Oil soap.  Mix one cup of soap with one gallon of water.  Pour into a spray bottle and mist the leaves of plants.  Take care not to overuse because it can slow the growth of fruits and vegetables.  However, it is ideal for indoor household plants. 

4.  Horseradish Spray

Cayenne Pepper. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To kill aphids, blister beetles, Colorado beetles and whiteflies, a spicy horseradish spray will get the job done.  Add two cups of diced cayenne peppers, a one-inch piece of chopped horseradish, and two cups of geranium leaves to three quarts of boiling water.  Remove from burner and let steep for one hour.  Strain and add cooled mixture to spray bottles.  Spray garden plants to get rid of bugs.

5.  Yarrow Tea Spray

Great for aphids and other pests, yarrow works quite well as a deterrent when applied every week or so to your garden vegetables.  Steep one cup of chopped yarrow in a quart of water for about a day.  You can steep it in the sun in a glass container.  Strain the mixture, add a cup of coffee and a ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish detergent to help the material adhere to leaves.  Pour into spray bottle and chase those pests away.

There’s no reason to let your garden go to the bugs in lieu of using chemical pesticides.  Chances are you have the makings for a great bug spray in your home right now.  Try one of these home-made pesticides and get rid of bugs naturally and safely.

Got your own recipes that work for you? Feel free to share below!

Video - Companion Planting Tips

Here is a short video with some ideas for companion plants to include in your sustainable garden to deter pests, and also plants that enhance the soil for each other, and are helpful to plant together or in succession for a healthier garden - as well as maximizing the space you have available.

How to use companion planting
Instructions on how to improve the productivity of your vegetable garden with companion planting. Peter Kearney works with brassica crops, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage showing how to greatly reduce pests and produce healthy plants. Good and bad ...


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