Herbal Sprays

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Herbal Sprays

Many organic farmers are familiar with using sprays made from aromatic herbs

to repel pests from the garden plants. Several recent studies confirm the

repellent effect of such sprays. The essential oil of Sage and Thyme and the

alcohol extracts such as Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and White Clover can

be used in this manner. They have been shown to reduce the number of eggs

laid and the amount of feeding damage to cabbage by caterpillars of Diamond

back moths and large white butterflies.

Sprays made from Tansy have demonstrated a repellent effect on imported

cabbageworm on cabbage, reducing the number of eggs laid on the plants. Teas

made from Wormwood or Nasturtiums are reputed to repel aphids from fruit

trees, and sprays made from ground or blended Catnip, Chives, Feverfew,

Marigolds, or Rue have also been used by gardeners against pests that feed

on leaves.

Protection Offered:

Try herbal sprays against any leaf-eating pests and make note of what works

for future reference.

How to make:

In General, herbal sprays are made by mashing or blending 1 to 2 cups of

fresh leaves with 2 to 4 cups of water and leaving them to soak overnight.

Or you can make a herbal tea by pouring the same amount of boiling water

over 2 to 4 cups fresh or 1 to 2 cups dry leaves and leaving them to steep

until cool. Strain the water through cheesecloth before spraying and dilute

further with 2 to 4 cups water. Add a very small amount of non-detergent

liquid soap (1/4 teaspoon in 1 to 2 quarts of water) to help spray stick to

leaves and spread better. You can also buy commercial essential herbal oils

and dilute with water to make a spray. Experiment with proportions, starting

with a few drops of oil per cup of water.

How to Use: Spray plants thoroughly, especially undersides of leaves, and

repeat at weekly intervals if necessary.