Whenever possible, I prefer to use natural ways to get rid of buggy critters in my garden.  There are plenty of toxins already so I prefer not to add any more than absolutely necessary.  My garden is small — only seven 4 x 4 raised beds which makes using homemade insecticidal soap to ward off the little munchers reliably efficient. 

A strong spray from the garden hose gets rid of some bugs, at least temporarily. Some of the most common garden pests include: aphids, borers, earworms, maggots, mites, whiteflies (which are here in abundance this year), moths, and beetles.

Using homemade insecticidal soap allows the me to control where the soap is sprayed, without harming other plants. Picking off the larger ones, such as tomato hornworms, is doable.  Pruning and removing infested plants, branches fruit and leaves is essential to disease resistance.  Even with my little garden, it’s just not totally possible to get rid of all of the bugs and diseases.  I invite a little help from my friends.  You know them: ladybugs, birds, toads, spiders, lizards, bees, hummingbirds.  They help keep the bugs at bay and help to pollinate as well.

Because I don’t want to do anything to harm my garden guests, I make and use insecticidal soap which I know won’t harm them.  However, commercial insecticidal soap can get to be quite expensive.  Making your own is the way to go.  I use this basic recipe with Murphy’s Oil Soap for bugs all of the time.  I use Murphy’s because it is soap; dishwashing liquid is detergent.  Detergent and soap are not the same. Plus, it’s all I use on my hardwood trim so it’s always available. This homemade insecticidal soap is safe to use on your inside and container plants as well.

It’s a really difficult recipe; pay careful attention to the details and the measuring.

To one gallon of warm water, add 1 Tablespoon of Murphy’s Oil Base Soap.
Shake to combine.
Pour into spray bottles.  Spray your plants.
Whew! Did you follow all of that?  If you need help, drop me a line.

Now go enjoy your garden.