NATURAL PEST REPELLENTS



These recipes were taken from the June, 1987 issue of Country Journal magazine (p. 42-45).


TOMATO

Tomato leaves, pureed *
4 - 5 pints of water
1 T. each cornstarch & Ivory Soap flakes

Mix together, let stand for a couple of hours. Strain. Spray on roses to prevent black spot. Refrigerate any leftover liquid.


GARLIC

3 - 4 ounces chopped garlic bulbs
2 T. mineral oil
1 pint water
1 t. fish emulsion

Soak garlic in mineral oil for 24 hours. Dissolve fish emulsion in water & mix with garlic-mineral oil. Stir well and strain. Store in glass jar (it reacts with metal). Dilute as follows: 1 part mixture to 20 parts water. Use on plants with large insect infestation. DO NOT USE on peas, beans, or sage. Also repels rabbits.


CHIVE TEA

5 T. chopped chives
10 c. boiling water
1 T. Ivory Soap flakes

Pour boiling water over chives. Let stand until cool. Strain and add soap. Spray on cucumbers to prevent or discourage powdery mildew.


NASTURTIUMS

Nasturtium leaves, pureed *
4 - 5 pints of water
1 T. each cornstarch & Ivory Soap flakes

Mix leaves, water, and cornstarch. Let stand for a couple of hours. Strain and mix with soap. Spray on squash to deter squash bugs. Also, use on broccoli to control aphids.



                                                                  OVER
HOT PEPPER

5 Pepper pods
2 medium onions
1 Garlic bulb
Water *

Mash pods, onions, & garlic together. Cover with water and let stand for 24 hours. Strain. Add enough water to make a gallon of spray. Use on roses, azaleas, chrysanthemums, & beans.



*  No specific amounts were given in the article.