Maintaining a beautiful flower or vegetable garden is a joy, but the presence of insects like aphids can be a nuisance. Fear not, as there are eco-friendly methods to protect your plants. Discover four effective ways to eliminate aphids using baking soda, recommended by gardening expert Michael Perry.

1. Baking Soda, Olive Oil, Dishwashing Liquid Solution:

Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon of baking soda
  • 2 cups of lukewarm water
  • ⅔ cups olive oil
  • 4 to 5 drops of dishwashing liquid

Steps:

  1. Combine all ingredients and mix evenly.
  2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
  3. Shake the plant gently before spraying to allow beneficial insects to move away.
  4. Directly spray the solution on aphids.

This baking soda recipe not only eliminates aphids but also works against mites and whiteflies.

2. Baking Soda Alone:

Baking soda acts as a versatile insect repellent against various pests, including ants, cockroaches, silverfish, slugs, and snails. You can apply it in large quantities on garden soil, paths, and around affected plants using a flour sifter. Sprinkle it directly on problem insects or on the ground, but use it occasionally and in small quantities.

For leafy greens prone to worms and caterpillars, a mixture of equal parts baking soda and flour can be sprinkled to eliminate larvae.

3. Mustard Oil and Baking Soda Mixture:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • ⅓ cup mustard oil

Steps:

  1. Mix baking soda and mustard oil, store in a covered container.
  2. To use, mix two teaspoons of the mixture in four cups of water.
  3. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it around the garden but avoid direct spraying on plants.

4. Baking Soda, Neem Oil, Castile Soap Solution:

Ingredients:

  • About 4 liters of water
  • 2 tablespoons of neem oil
  • 1 tablespoon of Castile soap
  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda

Steps:

  1. Mix the ingredients and fill your sprayer.
  2. Apply the natural bicarbonate anti-aphid solution to plants, avoiding sunny days to prevent leaf burning.

5. Baking Soda and Dormant Oil Mix:

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of dormant oil
  • ½ teaspoon of dishwashing liquid
  • About 4 liters of water

Steps:

  1. Mix all ingredients, shaking vigorously.
  2. Let the mixture sit until there are no more soap bubbles.
  3. Pour the preparation into a sprayer and spray it on pest insects.

Caution:

  • Repeated use of baking soda can be detrimental to plants and soil.
  • The added oils and soap help the baking soda work effectively on insects.
  • Apply homemade baking soda insecticides on dry, cloudy, or overcast days to avoid plant dehydration or sunburn.

Remember these natural remedies to keep your garden flourishing without the interference of aphids.

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