I grow gigantic sunflowers, spinich and rhubarb in a small garden. As usual, bugs are eating away at the leaves. I live in the heat of Texas. I am looking to use an organic, homemade insecticide that will not go bad when I store it in the heat of my garage for the next season or the next season.
What have you all used? The easier the better.
For years I have used this recipe for organic insecticide.
1 gal. of warm water, 1 cup of instant coffee crystals, a squirt of dish soap(not detergent), several dashes of tobasco sauce.
Spray both sides of leaves, the stems and soil surrounding
plants. You can cut this recipe just as you would reduce any recipe. I store the left over in my basement in the winter, Refresh
it the next year with a little tobasco sauce. If you make kess than gal. you could just throw it awy nd start new in the Spring. Do Not
Use Instant Powder Coffee. Won't disolve well. The soap is a
surfacant which helps insecticide stick to the leaves. I think the
key may be the tobasco sauce. Good Luck.
http://www.growstuffplus.com
References :
http://www.growstuffplus.com
You should probably just mix the amount of insecticide that you need so you don't have to store it for a whole year before you use it again. There aren't too many studies on the shelf life of insecticides, but my guess would be that anything organic would not have a great shelf life because the materials would break down pretty fast. Even some of the newer insecticides break down fast, not like DDT.
If you are using ingredients from your kitchen or house to make the homemade insecticide, like I said, just make enough for what you need at that time. That is what is recommended with store bought insecticides.
References :
Doctor of Plant Medicine
I like the 409/rubbing alcohol insecticide- I use it on my orchids to knock down the occasional mealybug. (Recipe below)
When the roses get aphids or other soft-bodied pests, they get a good drenching with water mixed with a couple squirts of organic dish detergent.
References :
http://www.healthyhomeshow.com/Health%20Home%20Show%20Gardening.htm
don't know about the storage life… but garlic really works…you can buy a bottle of concentrate at garden supply houses that should store well…but boil a pot on the stove and it's fast ..easy… and cheap. the smell will last a little while so if you are having guests do it early in the morning or the night before you guests are expected
References :
For years I have used this recipe for organic insecticide.
1 gal. of warm water, 1 cup of instant coffee crystals, a squirt of dish soap(not detergent), several dashes of tobasco sauce.
Spray both sides of leaves, the stems and soil surrounding
plants. You can cut this recipe just as you would reduce any recipe. I store the left over in my basement in the winter, Refresh
it the next year with a little tobasco sauce. If you make kess than gal. you could just throw it awy nd start new in the Spring. Do Not
Use Instant Powder Coffee. Won't disolve well. The soap is a
surfacant which helps insecticide stick to the leaves. I think the
key may be the tobasco sauce. Good Luck.
References :
Personal experience.
Best I have found so far in my old age….
2tsp. baking powder
1/3 cup rubbing alcohol
1/4 tsp liquid dish soap
add all to a 16 oz spray bottle, fill the rest with water and shake well before each use.
You will be amazed at how fast this knocks out unwanted pests…..before you eyes!
I would suggest you do this very early in the morning as to not burn your plants in the heat of the day.
You have to repeat this as you see the return of the unwanted pest, but it is safe, easy and works great … I have not found any insect that it will not kill, with direct contact. I also see that it keeps them away. for a period, depending on water and rain fall.This is safe and can be applied same day as harvest, just rinse well.
God Bless
Grandma
References :
years and years in the dirt