Naturally Keeping Plants Bug Free
August 13, 2021
Spring and Summer are the times to be in the garden getting your hands dirty. We love the beautiful plants, but not the bugs lurking around the garden. It takes a lot of work to create a beautiful garden, and we certainly don’t want the bugs ruining it for us. In this article, there are plenty of tips to naturally keep your plants bug-free.
Avoid Toxic Pesticides When Keeping Plants Bug Free
Plant a Diverse Garden
Keep Your Plants Bug Free with Flowers
Essential Oils for Bug Free Plants
Essential Oil Recipes
- 1 tsp Castile Soap
- Peppermint Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Rosemary Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Citronella Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Distilled Water
- 16 oz Glass Spray Bottle
Directions:
- Add castile soap to the spray bottle, and top off with distilled water. Mix in essential oils and swirl gently to combine. Do not shake.
- Mist the leaves and stems of the plant with essential oil solution. Spray mixture directly on the soil that is surrounding the plant and the perimeter of the garden. Use every 5-7 days or as needed.
- Rosemary Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Clove Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Peppermint Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Sweet Orange Plant Therapy Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Distilled Water
- 16 oz Glass Spray Bottle
Directions:
- Add distilled water and essential oils to the spray bottle and shake well to combine.
- Spray leaves and soil of the plant with essential oil solution. Use every 5-7 days or as needed.
Neem Oil
Neem oil has been used for centuries medicinally, and is used in many cosmetics and insecticides. Harmless to humans and animals, this oil can be detrimental to insects, mites and fungi. There are hundreds of insects that neem oil is used to control, but fortunately it isn't harmful to beneficial insects and animals. Making your own neem oil spray is more cost effective and potent than a store-bought neem oil insecticide. Keep your plants bug free with the following recipe (4):
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp pure neem oil
- 1 gallon water
- 1-2 tsp mild dish detergent
- Spray Bottle or Garden Sprayer
Directions:
- First, combine water and dish detergent in spray bottle, swirling or mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Second, add neem oil to water and detergent mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine and ensure solution is emulsified.
- Finally, spray mixture on all plant surfaces, including the tops and undersides of leaves, until they are completely wet and dripping.
- This mixture can be applied every 7-14 days.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are non-toxic, inexpensive and simple to use and set up. They create a protective barrier from flying bugs like fungus gnats, white-flies, or aphids. Because these traps are sticky, they also protect your plants from sticky icky spiders (3).
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)
This is a simple soil mix-in that protects plants from many different bugs. It dries out the exoskeleton of bugs so they dry up and fade away. The best part is that it isn’t harmful to your children or pets. To use, lightly dust your plants and soil with the diatomaceous earth powder, and reapply it to the soil after watering (3).
Soap and Water
A simple solution of soap and water can also be used to mitigate bugs. The soap will dry out the bugs, thus making sure they won’t be a bother. Just add a tablespoon of soap (I prefer a natural soap without harsh ingredients) to a 16 oz spray bottle with water. Spray this solution on your plants every 5-7 days or as needed.
Grow On
Now that you have the tips and tools at your fingertips, you can let your plants grow on. In conclusion, these natural tips and tricks can help your garden grow happily and healthfully while keeping the plants bug free. Above all, plants are a natural part of the ecosystem, so they will attract insects and wild animals. Too many bugs can get annoying and cut down on your own produce supply, so use these tips for harmless ways to reduce those bugs.
Interested in other posts related to essential oils and natural products? Check these out:
https://www.motherearthnaturalhealth.com/getting-kids-ready-to-go-back-to-school/
https://www.motherearthnaturalhealth.com/healthy-summer-skin/
https://www.motherearthnaturalhealth.com/boost-your-immune-system/
https://www.motherearthnaturalhealth.com/best-essential-oils-for-immune-support/
https://www.motherearthnaturalhealth.com/essential-oil-dilution-chart/
https://www.motherearthnaturalhealth.com/homemade-cleaning-products-made-with-essential-oils/
Resources:
- https://www.recipeswithessentialoils.com/essential-oil-plant-spray/
- https://nestingwithgrace.com/using-essential-oils-on-houseplants-keep-the-bugs-away-and-grow/
- https://sunnydazedecor.com/blogs/news/7-natural-ways-to-keep-bugs-off-plants
- https://www.thespruce.com/using-neem-oil-as-an-organic-insecticide-2132579
- https://www.happy-mothering.com/best-essential-oils-gardening/