Imagine a bountiful harvest of healthy vegetables free from pesky insect damage. This can be a reality with a little help from natural pest control methods, including this easy homemade bug spray for vegetable plants!
This post focuses on a simple and effective homemade bug spray for vegetable plants using peppermint.
But before I share this simple recipe, here are some additional organic pest control methods for your vegetable garden:
- Companion Planting: Certain plants deter pests when planted near each other. Research companion planting strategies for your specific vegetables.
- Attract Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs and other beneficial insects can help control harmful insects. Encourage them by planting flowers that attract them.
- Handpicking: For small infestations, manually removing pests can be a quick solution.
While these methods are great for overall pest control, for those persistent insects, a vegetable garden peppermint spray can be a valuable tool.
Homemade Bug Spray for Vegetables
This homemade bug spray utilizes peppermint castile soap and essential oil to create a natural pest repellent. Here are the supplies you will need:
- Glass Spray Bottle
- 1 Tbsp Liquid Peppermint Castile Soap
- 12 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- Water
How Do You Make Bug Spray for Vegetables
- Mix Ingredients: Add the peppermint castile soap and essential oil to your glass spray bottle.
- Fill with Water: Top up the bottle with water and shake well to combine.
How to Use Your Homemade Bug Spray in the Garden
Now that you’ve created your natural pest repellent, here’s how to use it effectively:
- Target the undersides of leaves: Many insects hide on the undersides of leaves. Focus the spray on these areas for better pest control.
- Apply in the evening: Apply the spray in the evening to avoid the potential scorching of leaves under the hot summer sun.
- Reapply as needed: Homemade sprays are generally less persistent than commercial insecticides. Reapplication may be necessary every few days, especially after rain.
- Store in a cool, dark place: When not in use, store your spray bottle in a cool, dark location.
How Does it Work?
Peppermint oil has natural insecticidal properties that repel some common garden pests. The soap helps the spray adhere to leaves for better coverage.
Limitations of Homemade Bug Spray for Vegetable Plants
Peppermint spray can be a deterrent for aphids, whiteflies, and some chewing insects. However, it might not be effective against all pests.
Tips
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- The effectiveness of homemade sprays can vary depending on the specific pest and environmental conditions.
About the Author
Sarah Blankenship | Rocky Hedge FarmSarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. She is passionate about simple, healthy recipes, cast iron cooking, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home. She shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.
I’m new to your blog and very confused and disappointed. After reading about your organic pest control recipe (various pepermint oils and water), there is “shop related products” below. Commercial insecticides, Ortho onsect Killers, etc……seems like a slap in the face and hypocritical.
That is like a slap in the face and I am so incredibly sorry to hear that this has happened. That shop related products is an Amazon thing that is supposed to pull related products. I do not use nor do I endorse using such chemicals. I will have to see what I can do to change that. Again, I am very sorry!
Sarah i am agree with the steps that you have followed for pest control. In that way we as a gardener love can save out time & properly we take care of the garden & it’s things in an easy way.
Where do you find the peppermint soap to make your pest spray?
Target carries it
Will this mixture deter flea beetles from my eggplant?
I can’t think of a single bug that loves the taste and smell of Castile soap and peppermint essential oil. I’ve used it for years and after all these years the bugs and I have come to an agreement. I have fewer bugs than I used to.
Do you spray this every evening? Such a good idea!
How often do you spray a particular plant or plants you know are getting eaten??
Great idea, I have used other formulas like cinnamon and they are not too good. I will see how this one works, thanks.
Do you find that this work for squash bugs?? Fellow zone 6/central Midwest gardener here.