Keeping insect pests out of your growing area

Garlic: a natural repellent to repel vegetable garden insects

Fighting insects pests in the vegetable garden or in an indoor growing space can be a real headache for gardeners. Fortunately, natural, ecological and effective solutions exist. Among them, garlic stands out for its repellent properties. Not only is it simple to use, but it can also provide additional benefits to your plants. Here are two effective techniques for protecting a vegetable garden.

PS: These tips are to be used as a preventative measure to avoid an infestation. If your plants are already attacked, it will be necessary to use solutions adapted to the situation.

Technique 1: Garlic infusion for direct spraying

This method consists of preparing a garlic infusion that you will apply directly to your plants.

Materials needed:

• 5 to 6 cloves of garlic.

• 1 liter of water.

• A sprayer.

Steps:

1. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.

2. Boil the water and then put it on low heat when you add the garlic. Let it steep for about 10-15 minutes, making sure the water does not boil over, then let it cool before using.

3. Let the mixture cool, then strain it to remove the garlic pieces.

4. Pour the cooled infusion into a sprayer.

5. Spray directly on plant leaves and stems, focusing on areas where insects are present.

Why is this technique effective?

Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound that acts as a natural repellent against many pests such as aphids, mites and beetles. In addition, its antifungal properties can help prevent certain diseases. Finally, being a natural plant, garlic provides your crops with nutrients that strengthen their overall health.

 

Technique 2: Olfactory barrier based on garlic, lemongrass oil and vinegar

This second method creates an odorous barrier to prevent insects from reaching your crops.

Materials needed:

• 5 cloves of garlic.

• 1 liter of water.

• 1 tablespoon of lemongrass oil.

• 2 tablespoons of white or cider vinegar.

• A sprayer.

Steps:

1. Prepare a garlic infusion as for the first technique (boil the garlic in water).

2. Once cooled, add the lemongrass oil and vinegar to the garlic infusion, then mix well.

3. Pour the mixture into a sprayer.

4. Spray this repellent in the corners of your growing space or around cultivated areas, without directly targeting the plants.

Why is this technique effective?

Lemongrass essential oils and vinegar reinforce the repellent properties of garlic by creating a powerful odor barrier. Harmful insects, attracted by the smells of your vegetables and fruits, will be repelled. In addition, this technique is very effective in keeping flies away from trash cans, thus reducing nuisances in your living or growing space.

Observations

When I add vinegar to the cleaning water, flies and mosquitoes seem to be immediately repelled by the smell. This reinforces the overall effectiveness of vinegar-based mixtures to sanitize the space and limit infestations.

Advantages of both techniques

1. Natural and ecological : No chemicals, therefore no risk for the environment or for your plants.

2. Easy to prepare : The ingredients are easy to find and handle.

3. Versatile : The first technique acts directly on the plants, while the second creates a global protective barrier in the growing space.

Practical advice

• Always test the mixture on a small part of your plants before using it on a large scale, to avoid any adverse effects.

• Apply these repellents at the end of the day or in the morning to prevent the sun from burning the leaves.

• Do not hesitate to spray several times a day.

By combining these two techniques, you offer your crops double natural protection, while strengthening their health.