It seems that today we are finishing our \u201cguide to survival in the garden and at home\u201d. If you are looking for a way to get rid of aphids without spraying harsh chemicals on your future food, there is one recipe that gardeners consider the number one \u201cbiological weapon\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a soap-oil spray with the addition of soda or vinegar. It works on a physical, not chemical principle, which is the key to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why does this recipe work?
Aphids (and other soft insects) breathe through the entire surface of their bodies through small holes (stigma).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oil and soap: They create a thin film on the surface of the insect, which literally suffocates them.
Soap: It also breaks down the protective wax layer on the aphid’s body.
Recipe for “Homemade Aphid Killer”
You will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 liter of lukewarm water.
1 tablespoon of liquid potassium soap (or regular Jar-i, but potassium\/Marseille is gentler on the plant).
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (rapeseed or sunflower).
Optional: 1 teaspoon of baking soda (also helps against powdery mildew – mold on the leaves).
How to do it (Rules for success)
Emulsion: Shake the mixture well in a spray bottle. The oil and water must combine thanks to the soap.
Underside of the leaves: This is the most common mistake. Aphids hide on the underside. If you only spray the top, nothing will happen.
Timing: Never spray during direct sunlight! The oil and water droplets act like a magnifying glass and the sun will burn your plant. The ideal time is early morning or after sunset.
Repetition: Repeat the spray after 3\u20135 days to also hit newly hatched individuals.
Other natural alternatives
Method How it works What it is best for
Nettle infusion The stench and nitrogen repel insects. Prevention and strengthening of the plant.
Garlic spray Strong aroma and antibacterial ingredients. Repel flying insects and aphids.
Tobacco infusion Nicotine is one of the strongest natural neurotoxins. Heavily infested ornamental plants (do not use on vegetables!).
Ladybug (Natural predator) One ladybug will eat up to 50 aphids a day. The best ecological \u201cinsecticide\u201d in the world.
A little tip for seedlings
If you have aphids on young pepper or tomato seedlings indoors, it is often enough to carefully \u201cshower\u201d the plant with lukewarm water in the sink. The stream of water will mechanically wash away the aphids and, since they are very fragile, most of them will not survive the journey back to the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: Before spraying the entire crop, test the mixture on a single leaf and wait 24 hours. Some plants (such as ferns or certain types of herbs) are sensitive to oils and soaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you have a problem with aphids on a specific plant (such as roses or currants), or are you looking for a way to scare them away from the garden in the long term (for example, by using companion planting)?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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