DIY: A safe garden pesticide spray with YL oils!

 I’ve never been one to claim I have a green thumb, but one thing I do know is that insects and bugs ruin gardens. I’d like to share a way to keep these pests from damaging our gardens. Generally, we use pesticides to deter insects from gardens; prevent plants, fruits, and vegetables from growing fungi; and to encourage growth. However, the in-store alternatives to treat these issues include harmful chemicals that have warnings if the product is ingested, if there is contact with eyes and skin, or even if it is inhaled. So we must ask ourselves: Is this something I want to spray on my flowers, fruits, or vegetables? Unequivocally, the answer is no. So why not use something safe, effective, and chemical free? Here’s a simple recipe to keep your garden growing so you can enjoy truly fresh foods!

Items needed
• Distilled water
• Spray bottle
• Liquid dish soap (biodegradable)
• Spearmint essential oil
• Citronella essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Blue tansy essential oil
• Cedarwood essential oil

Preparation
• Fill an 8-oz. spray bottle with distilled water
• Add 1 ½ tablespoons of liquid dish soap
• Add 3–4 drops of each essential oil
• Mix and spray generously on plants, fruits, and vegetables

For fungus and mildew protection
• Add 4 drops of lemon or orange essential oil to 8 oz. of water and spray areas where fungi and mildew may grow.

Did you know?
• Spearmint essential oil can help deter ants and aphids
• Citronella essential oil can help deter gnats and mosquitos
• Lavender essential oil can help deter fleas, moths, and flies
• Blue tansy essential oil can help deter flies
• Cedarwood essential oil can help deter snails and slugs
• Lemon and orange essential oils can help reduce fungi from growing on plants

Please feel free to share other essential oils you like to use in your garden and any success stories you may have when using essential oils as the safer alternative to harsh chemicals found in pesticides.