Homemade Insect Repellent for Vegetables

Neem

• Neem, a tree native to India and Pakistan, is an age-old insecticide and fungicide. As an herb it can be digested to treat colds and flu. As a repellent, neem mimics an insect hormone that deters pests and inhibits their digestion and reproduction. Buy dry neem seeds, which are sold at many health food stores. Grind the seeds into a fine powder. Mix the powder into water at a ratio of 5 grams of powder to 10 liters of water. Soak overnight and use.

Chili Pepper

• Chili pepper is a natural bug deterrent due to its harsh smell and spicy taste. For a potent spray, dry two handfuls of chilies or purchase previously dried chilies. Grind them to a fine powder and soak overnight in 2 liters of water. Take care when using the spray. Capsican, the active ingredient in chilies, can burn leaves and kill young plants. Always run a test patch before applying the spray to the plant's entirety.

Stinging Nettle

• Stinging nettle, an herb known to treat allergies and acne, also functions as an insect repellent in gardens. Use nettle in two ways. As a companion, plant nettle next to vegetables to create a barrier for insects repelled by their essential oils. To make a spray, cover 1 quart of nettles with water and ferment for three weeks. Strain the tea and mix one part tea with seven parts water.

Garlic

• Similar to chili pepper, garlic repels pests due to its potent qualities. Garlic also has natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Use garlic in companion planting or as an insecticide spray. For the spray, finely chop three bulbs of garlic. Soak the chopped garlic in 10 liters of water as long as two weeks. This spray is gentler on plants than the chili spray. However, its effects last only one to three days. After that time, reapply.