I love gardening, but I hate all of the pests. And even more than the pests, I can’t stand all of the chemicals used to get rid of them. The whole point of growing vegetables at home was to avoid chemicals. So I’ve been using essential oils for pest control in the garden.
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What a Pest
When we lived in the city, I never had an issue with pests in the garden. There weren’t any deer to eat the leaves. No squash bugs ever came to visit. Even the horned tomato worms stayed away. The only pest to ever come visit were the squirrels. They would eat a bit from each tomato before throwing it in the yard. Even the nest of bunnies in the thyme didn’t do any damage.
Then we moved out to some acreage. The deer ate the strawberries. The squash bugs got the potatoes. Then the horned tomato worms moved in. The aphids took out the cucumbers and pumpkins. I was frustrated and desperate to save the garden. Unfortunately it was too late for most of my plants. Once I figured out how to keep the deer out of the garden, the squirrels out of the pots, and the bugs off the plants the I did manage to get a few veggies for all of my hard work.
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Essential Oils for Fungus Control in the Garden
Many oils have antifungal properties, so I will just list a few. If you are unsure if an oil will work you can Google it or look it up in the book Essential Oils Natural Remedies. I prefer to use the book. It is packed with information.
Rosemary
Peppermint
Clove
Oregano
Cinnamon
Thyme
Essential Oils for Insect Control in the Garden
Using oils for insects is a bit more tricky. Certain oils work better for different bugs. It’s ok to try different oils and combinations until you find one that works on whatever pest is bothering your garden.
Aphids, squash bugs, ants, spiders, white flies, and beetles don’t like the smell of orange, peppermint, and spearmint essential oils.
Flies, fleas, cabbage looper larvae, and mosquitoes are repelled by lemongrass, rosemary, and lavender.
Essential Oils for Slug Control in the Garden
For slugs and snails, spray the mixture around the base of the plant since that is where they like to eat. Again there are several oils so try out a few until you find something that works.
Pine
Orange
Garlic
Cedarwood
Hyssop
Essential Oils Spray for Pest Control in the Garden
The general recipe for a pest control spray stays the same. The only thing that changes is what oils you use.
Combine 1 cup of water with 10 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle.
Mist the leaves and around the plant. You will need to reapply after rain or every couple of weeks. If you hand water or use a sprinkler that will wash away the essential oil spray, you will have to reapply more often.
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Hi loved your information on essential oils and garden pests.
Do you have any experience with Japanese Beetles and what oils
might repel those awful little beasts? Thanks for your time.
I loath the arrival of Japanese beetles. I’ve yet to find an oil that really works on them. Once they arrive, I pick them off daily and kill them.