Using Garlic Water for Plants

Without the use of chemical pesticides, organic gardeners look purely to nature for solutions to pest infestations. Luckily, nature is always willing to comply and supplies garlic as a cure. It may come as a surprise, but yes, this small ground-dwelling bulb has a wide array of uses in the garden. The active sulfur compounds in garlic not only act as a powerful natural pesticide, they also eliminate fungus and deter grazing vermin. Best of all, you'll be able to free your plants of pests without leaving behind harmful chemicals or residues. Keep reading to learn the recipes and processes so that you can benefit from using garlic water for plants.

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A homemade garlic spray has many uses and can be applied to vegetable, fruit, ornamental and indoor plants.

• Natural Garlic Pesticide - When used as a foliage spray, garlic is effective against: Aphids, Colorado Potato Beetles, Whiteflies, Bean Beetles, Cabbage Worms, Spider Mites, Moths (including the Diamondback Moth), Ants and Termites. If used as a soil treatment, garlic water is a recognized treatment for nematodes and fungus gnats.
• Natural Fungicide - The active sulfur compounds will also terminate a variety of fungal and mildew infestations. A garlic water foliage spray is a very effective treatment and preventative measure for Powdery Mildew.
• Natural Deterrent - When used in combination with chilies, garlic works well as a preventative deterrent against mice, rats, rabbits, voles, elk and deer.

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Ingredients -

• 1 Small Head of Garlic
• 2 Cups Water

Process -

1. Process whole head of garlic in a blender. Get it as smooth as possible.
2. Add two cups water to the blender and pulse a couple times.
3. Pour the mixture into a glass container and sit covered in a dark place for one day.
4. When ready to apply, strain off all the solids and dilute with more water until you have a gallon's worth of solution.

To Apply -

To use the 'garlic tea' as a foliage spray, use a spray bottle to soak the tops and bottoms of each leaf in the infested area. Use the solution once every week until the problem ceases. When using as a preventative measure, apply the garlic water only once every two weeks or after it rains.

Soak the infected soil thoroughly once a week for elimination of fungus gnats and nematodes.

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Ingredients -

• 1 Small Head of Garlic
• 1 Jalapeno, or 1TBS Cayenne Pepper

Process -

Follow the above directions, adding the peppers to the process.

To Apply -

For mice, rabbits, rats, deer and elk use the garlic and chili water solution as a foliage spray on the effected plants. Again, apply thoroughly once every two weeks or after each rain.

For preventative protection against voles, pour a barrier of the garlic and chili solution around your garden plants. Make a there is no breaks in your barrier. Re-apply to the soil once every two weeks.

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The key to using a garlic water solution for plants is to use it in moderation! While the solution effectively eliminates pesky garden infestations, it can also negatively affect beneficial soil organisms if used too often. Through my own experiences with garlic water, I've found that it should not be applied more than twice a week as a foliage spray and once a week as a soil treatment.

Garlic water for plants is seriously an effective treatment! Using the foliage garlic spray, I have been successful in the removal of spider mites, aphids and powdery mildew from my own gardens. I've even used garlic water for the successful elimination of fungus gnats, so I can definitely vouch for its efficiency. Overall, you'll be doing yourself and your plants a lot of good by seeking comfort with the homemade, all natural, and organic garlic pesticide.