In conventional Gardening Pests and Insects are synonymous with forced Mono-Culture regimes.
Under the Organic system we are supposed to be Pest free but this is not always the case particularly in the early years of conversion when there is a carry over population, during times of Insect invasion we will have to turn to the sprayer to control an out break to protect the crop we have worked so hard to grow.
Nature supplies us with ample Natural, Harmless to Humans Insecticides, some you can make yourself and others you can buy straight off the shelf at your local Garden Centre/Hardware store.
Some Natural Pest Control involves products that have a high Oil content that can be tough on the plant if sprayed in the heat of the day, so best to spray first thing in the morning or last thing at night, this also has the benefit of a slower drying time giving the Insecticide more time on the pest before it dries.
Most Organic Pesticides are contact only i.e. they only kill the Insect if you get the spray on it, there is no Systemic action as is the case with some Chemical Insecticides, so be sure to cover the whole plant including under the leaves to effect a good kill.
Here are some of the more reliable common Organic Pesticides;
Pyrethrum;
Derived from the Pyrethrum Daisy this is a great general purpose product, it will control most Insect Species and leaves no residue after a couple of days so is great to use close to Harvest. Can be expensive but a good all round safe Insecticide. Don't get confused with Pyrethoids as these are Chemical Insecticides.
Neem Oil;
This product is derived from the Neem Tree and again has a broad spectrum of Target Species. Its effect can take several days to be seen as it disrupts the Insects Neurological Processes rather than a straight out knock down. It also has a long term deterrent trait when used repeatedly, Insects don't seem happy settling again after its use and will move on to your neighbours garden rather than settle in yours!
White Oil;
While not strictly Organic it is Harmless to Humans when used properly and has a good strike rate on soft bodied Insects such as Mealy Bug, Aphids and Scale, it works by suffocating the Insect but can have a detrimental effect on the plant if sprayed in the heat of the day, wilting can occur of soft young plants so be sure and spray in the cooler parts of the day.
Home Made Insecticides;
Garlic;
Finely cut 6 cloves of Garlic along with 1 Onion and a little Cayenne Pepper,
soak in a litre of warm water overnight and then strain,
add a tbsp of dish washing soap or White Oil and dilute one part Garlic spray to three parts water and spray onto the Insects. If the brew isn't completely successful increase strength to 1-2 parts water.
Don't spray yourself or you may need hosing down before you are aloud back inside!
Soap;
This an old old remedy that has stood the test of time, Castile Soap gives the best results but every day Laundry or Dish washing Detergents are just as effective but make sure they are Biodegradable as some Detergents can be quite harsh.
Simple mix one tbsp of your choice in a Litre of water and spray onto the Insects, again be careful on softer plants, you may need to start at half a tbsp initially to make sure the plant doesn't wilt.
Essential Oils;
I have used Lavender, Tea Tree, and Sage with great success on my potted plants and also as a Natural Deterrent outside to keep the Mossies away. In a 200 ml spray bottle add ten drops of either Lavender or Tea Tree Oil and ten drops of Sage and mix well with water, spray as a mist onto the Insects and mist into the air for the Pest Deterrent effect. This brew is great at getting rid of Ants, just spray their trail and they are gone before you know it. Spray yourself as a Insect Repellent but you will need to repeat the process every couple of hours.
Hope you have enjoyed this and find it useful.
Be Happy,
Barry.
www.organic-vegetable-garden.net
