Nontoxic

In keeping with the goals of the jardin, we use only organic, non-toxic items to achieve the things we want in the garden. I've mentioned a few times that the ants were one of our biggest obstacles and how a non-toxic pesticide that I used seemed to work on most of the maize. I will pass on the info here and really, it's open for you to measure out which one you want to try and what will work best for what you are trying to grow, etc.

How to Make Your Own Nontoxic Pesticides

Unwanted insects live in every garden. Combat destructive pests by using all-purpose, nontoxic sprays readily made from everyday household ingredients. Here are five options to try in your garden.

Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of liquid detergent, a couple of hot peppers or pepper sauce, and one chopped garlic clove with water in a handheld spray bottle and take aim at the insects.

2. In a blender, puree three hot peppers, three white onions and one garlic bulb. (No need to peel anything.) Add 3 c. water to the mixture and soak overnight in a covered bowl. Strain with a cheesecloth and add enough water to the liquid solution to make 1 gallon of spray, for use in either a spray bottle or a 1-gallon garden sprayer for the whole garden.

3. Mix 1 c. vegetable oil with 1 tbsp. liquid dishwashing soap. Add 1 1/2 tsp. for every cup of warm water to a handheld spray bottle, or add entire mixture to a 1-gallon garden sprayer and fill with water. Spray entire plant, including the undersides of leaves.

4. Chop 10 to 15 garlic cloves into small pieces to soak in 1 pint mineral oil overnight. Strain and spray oil mixture directly on infestations.

5. Capture and crush 1/2 c. of a single kind of insect. Add 2 c. water and strain. Mix 1/4 c. of the solution and a few drops of liquid soap to water in a spray bottle and target the insect's friends and relatives. Sounds gross, but this is a very effective species-specific control.

Unlike conventional pesticides, these home remedies biodegrade quickly, so for best results, hit infestations directly and reapply after wet weather and as needed.

Warnings:

Some plants may be sensitive to the soapy or acidic ingredients. To guard against burning the foliage, test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of leaves before spraying the entire plant.