- Toll-free: 1-844-462-9222
- Sign in
With autumn approaching – quickly to be followed by chilly, snowy winter – you may have thought your pest problems were over, at least until spring. But in reality, some insects will survive indoors and munch on your houseplants, giving you a headache you didn’t expect to have this winter.
Soft-bodied insects such as aphids are among the most damage-producing to your plants. Luckily, there’s a chemical-free way to deal with them: a simple soap spray.
Why does soap work? Although it’s generally non-harmful to us, at least in the preparations that are commercially available, pure soap, such as Castile, will actually dissolve the shells of soft-bodied insects.
Soap spray is easy to make and requires only two ingredients, plus a sprayer.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix ingredients together well. If you mix them in a pot and stir them with a spoon, you’ll get less foaming, but if your mixture does produce copious foam, simply give it an hour to settle back down again. Pour into spray bottle and spray onto plant leaves (making sure to get the undersides) and stems.
If the dilution seems to be burning your plant’s leaves, cut the soap by 1/2.
That’s it! This can be used either indoors or outdoors. Watch your plants to be sure they’re not reacting negatively to the soap solution. Overall, your plants should be fine with the dilution given above, but as stated in the directions, if you’re noticing any burning or wilting, cut the dilution.
This preparation is effective year-round.
We hope this has helped those who are on a more natural journey with their gardening. As always, if you have any questions, please let us know – we’re always glad to help.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
f you’re new to gardening you might have some great idea of what gardening is in your head. But there are some cold hard truths about gardening that you should know and accept with all your heart if you wish to become a true-bloodied gardening aficionado.
Sign up for exciting new product information, gardening tips, and special offers!
© 2023 Cate's Garden.
