Natural Repellents

Posted by Ena Clewes
October 30th, 2007
Filed in Garden Pests and Diseases
Tags: bugs, fruit, pests, potatoes

BANANA PEELS placed around roses and other plants bothered by aphids, make a natural repellent and will make the pests disappear. Why this is I do not know, but I have tried it very successfully.

Keep putting the peel around the base of the plants as long as the aphids are present. As an added bonus, the potassium in the banana skin stimulates larger blooms.

CITRUS RINDS as a natural repellent have a chemical in them that deters corn earworms. I make a solution of citrus rinds by chopping them up and placing them in a container with a quart of hot water. I then let it sit overnight. After this I strain out the rinds and spray the affected plants.

PEPPERMINT TEA sprayed onto plants has been shown to repel Colorado potato beetles.
Steep two peppermint tea bags in a quart of hot water for thirty minutes. Let the tea cool, then strain and spray on plants. I have tried this solution on other plants that have pest problems. I have read that this solution may be a good all round natural repellent.

OLD TIRES used as planters repel squash and cucumber beetles. I also find that using tires helps heat-loving – plants to produce their best blooms.

WOOD ASHES. are a way to get rid of cucumber beetles. Make a spray of wood ashes by mixing 1/2 cup of ashes in 2 gallons of water. Then put this mixture into a watering can and then water the plants. Note that if you have alkaline soil, be sparing with this spray as it is very alkaline.