Ingredients
- 3 ounces of finely chopped garlic.
- 2 teaspoons of mineral oil.
- 1 pint of water.
- 1/4 ounce of liquid dish soap.
Preparation Instructions
- Soak the garlic: Place the finely chopped garlic in the mineral oil and allow it to soak for 24 hours.
- Mix: Add the water and liquid dish soap to the mixture.
- Strain and Store: Stir the solution well and strain it into a glass jar for storage; this mixture is your concentrate.
How to Use
- Dilution: To create the final spray, combine 1–2 tablespoons of the concentrate with 1 pint of water. Be careful not to make the solution too strong, as the combination of soap and oil can injure the leaves of sensitive plants.
- Testing: Always test the spray on the lower leaves of a plant first to ensure there is no adverse reaction before applying it to the whole plant.
- Application Timing: For the best results, apply the spray in the early morning or evening.
Effectiveness and Precautions
This garlic spray is effective for controlling a variety of pests, including aphids, cabbageworms, leafhoppers, squash bugs, and whiteflies. However, the sources note that garlic is a non-selective insecticide, meaning it will also affect beneficial insects. You should use it only as needed and be selective about where and when you apply it to protect your garden's natural allies.