How to Make DIY Garlic Spray for Plants In Your Garden
Have you ever wished for an all-natural solution to protect your plants from pests and diseases? Garlic spray might just be the answer you’re looking for.
As an experienced gardener, I’ve used garlic spray countless times to keep my garden healthy and thriving. It’s cheap, easy to make, and incredibly effective, thanks to garlic’s natural antibacterial, antifungal, and insect-repelling properties.
Let me guide you through everything you need to know about garlic spray, how to make it, why it works, and how to use it to keep your plants flourishing.
Why Garlic Spray Works
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is released when garlic is crushed or chopped. Allicin has powerful antimicrobial properties that protect plants from fungal infections and bacterial diseases.
Additionally, garlic’s strong odor repels common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies without harming beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
What makes garlic spray even better is that it’s completely natural and safe for your plants, soil, and the environment. Unlike chemical pesticides, garlic spray won’t leave harmful residues, making it a great choice for organic gardening.
The Benefits of Using Garlic Spray in Your Garden
1. Natural Pest Control
Garlic spray is highly effective at deterring a wide variety of garden pests, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and even larger nuisances like slugs and snails. Its strong, pungent smell masks the scent of your plants, making them less appealing to pests.
Unlike chemical pesticides, garlic spray doesn’t harm beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, which are essential for pollination and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
2. Fights Fungal Diseases
Fungal infections like powdery mildew, black spot, and rust can quickly spread through your garden and wreak havoc on your plants.
Garlic’s natural antifungal properties create a protective barrier on leaves and stems, helping to prevent these diseases from taking hold. The active compound, allicin, disrupts the growth of fungal spores, making garlic spray a reliable ally.
3. Repels Mosquitoes and Other Pests
Beyond garden pests, garlic spray can also be used to repel mosquitoes in outdoor spaces.
Spraying garlic around your patio or garden seating areas creates an invisible shield that deters these biting insects without the need for harsh chemicals.
4. Cost-Effective and Readily Available
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pest control option, garlic spray is unbeatable. With just a few cloves of garlic, water, and some basic kitchen staples, you can make your own spray in minutes.
Compared to store-bought pesticides, which can be expensive and full of chemicals, garlic spray is a cost-effective alternative that delivers impressive results.
How to Make Garlic Spray for Plants
Ingredients
- 2-3 large garlic bulbs
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and crush the garlic bulbs. You can use a blender, food processor, or mortar and pestle.
- Add the crushed garlic to 4 cups of water in a bowl. Let it steep for 24 hours to release the allicin.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a spray bottle, discarding the solids.
- If desired, add the liquid dish soap and vegetable oil for improved adherence to plant leaves.
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
How to Use Garlic Spray in Your Garden
You should apply garlic spray in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not too strong. This prevents the spray from burning the leaves.
Besides, cover both the tops and undersides of leaves, as pests often hide underneath. Reapply every 7-10 days or after heavy rain to maintain protection.
What to Watch Out For
While garlic spray is safe for most plants, some sensitive varieties may experience leaf burn if the spray is too strong. To avoid this, always test the spray on a small section of the plant and wait 24 hours to check for adverse reactions.
Additionally, garlic spray has a strong odor, so it’s best to use it in outdoor gardens rather than indoor plants. Don’t worry, the smell fades after a few hours.
