Homemade Fungicides and Insecticides

by John Dromgoole

Save money with these helpful formulas!

Fungicide for blackspot, powdery mildew, other disease:
1 T. baking soda
half a spoon liquid soap
gallon of water

If you’ve got a plant that normally has powdery mildew or some other fungal problems, use this to prevent them. Or, apply when you see signs of fungus to prevent its spread.  Do not apply in apply in the sun, especially in summer, since you could burn the plant.  It’s advisable to test a leaf or two; wait 24 hours, and if all is okay, spray the plant in early morning or evening hours. Generally fungal problems happen in cooler weather (or as the nights get cool) anyway, but it’s best to avoid in direct sunlight.

Insect control (aphids, white fly, scale, mealy bugs)
Rubbing alcohol

Use straight, and with a cotton ball or swap, wipe a plant clean to rid if of aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and white fly.  You can apply it directly it to the insect.  Or, you can mix it in a sprayer, about half a cup of alcohol in a quart of water to spray a highly infested plant.  Once again, use caution and test on a plant first before spraying its leaves and do not apply in direct sunlight if you’re spraying the leaves.  If you are just daubing the insects, you should be fine.

Insect control (spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs, others)
3 tablespoons liquid soap
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
gallon of water

Again, do not apply in direct sunlight.  With oil, it’s better not to apply when temperatures are over 85