Protect Your Plants with This Garden Spray!

Gardens are in full swing this time of year as plants are blossoming and many are ready to be harvested! But have you noticed that pests are getting to your plants? Get a step ahead with this garden spray that helps keep the birds and bugs away from your produce.

Once you make your spray, just spritz the leaves (both sides) and the surrounding ground. Before you know it, you’ll have gorgeous, bite-free leaves!

Keep in mind that it is best to spray on a cloudy day or in the evening so the sun and cinnamon essential oil combination doesn’t burn the plants. You can apply every couple weeks or as needed. If you wait 2–3 days after spraying to harvest any food, you shouldn’t notice any change in flavor.

Protective Gardening Spray

Servings: Yield 1 gallon (about 4 liters) | Time: 5 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 15 drops Natural Essential Oil Emulsifier
• 8 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 7 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1/4 tsp. (1.5 ml) biodegradable dish soap
• 1 gallon (4 liters) water
• 16 oz. Glass Bottles with Trigger Spray Tops

Instructions:

1. To a small glass bowl, add the emulsifier, essential oils, and dish soap in order; gently stir after adding each ingredient. Pour a little water (up to 1 cup or 250 ml) into the bowl, and stir to combine.
2. Pour mixture into a gallon-sized (4-liter) water jug (mostly full of water). Place the cap on, and carefully shake to combine. Pour mixture into your 16 oz. glass spray bottles.
3. To use, spray the tops and bottoms of the plant leaves. It is best to spray on a cloudy day or in the evening so the sun and cinnamon essential oil combination doesn’t burn the plants. Apply every couple weeks or as needed. Wait 2–3 days after spraying to harvest any food.

Extra Idea:

If your pest problem is really bad and you need a little oomph to your spray, try boiling your water with several garlic cloves (up to an entire bulb—about 1 clove per cup) and a little cayenne pepper. Once boiling, remove from heat, and let steep overnight before straining and adding the rest of the ingredients to the water.