An easy, homemade spray to control for sap sucking insects like aphids and leaf hoppers and larger pests like bunnies, deers and cats. Monitor your plants carefully when using. Stop use immediately if there are any signs of plant distress and opt for a commercially insecticidal soap instead. The hot peppers are only beneficial against mammals, if you're just using this spray for insects you can omit them.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Total Time10 minutesmins
Keyword: garden spray
Ingredients
1litre water
2Tbspliquid dish detergent or pure liquid castile soapnot antibacterial
1-2driedwhole cayenne peppersoptional
Instructions
In a spray bottle, combine all ingredients. Do not shake, you don't need it to be foamy. Cayenne is only necessary if you have bunnies or deer you're trying to chase away as well.
Spray all over plants, including and especially the underside of leaves in early morning or evening. Avoid spraying in full sun to prevent the plant from scorching.
Repeat every two days.
Monitor your plant leaves carefully, some plants are more sensitive than others to the detergent. If you see any signs that your plant does not like the spray (yellowing or wilting leaves) - stop immediately.
Video
Notes
The hot peppers are only beneficial against mammals only, it doesn't bother insects at all, if you're just using this spray for insects you can omit them.Some recipes add oil, you can add 1-2 Tbsp vegetable or coconut oil to help the spray stay in place longer. I find it gums up the spray bottle, so I usually don't use it.