My Best Secret Weapons for Fighting BUGS in My Organic Garden

[@rotton7013]

old parmesan cheese containers make great dust shakers

[@WinsomeWinslet]

We planted tons of marigolds and petunias in our garden this year. The marigolds attract ladybugs like crazy and kill nematodes in the soil for years to come and the petunias deter squash bugs. These two flowers are invaluable in the garden! I will add this video to my playlist in case we have a problem down the road. Thanks for uploading great information always!

[@HomesteadinginIdaho]

I had a huge invasion of ants in my greenhouse a couple years ago. Multiple things later it was somewhat under control. BUT of all things, and this has absolutely blown my mind, the thing that showed up on its own and has taken care of any aphid problems for the last two growing seasons has been jumping spiders! I have no aphids! Ok, I had some at the early spring of this year, and then the spiders took over. I don't have problems with aphids, earwigs, pill bugs, etc. The spiders are SO fat and happy in the greenhouse. I never thought I would say that I enjoy working with spiders! It could be something you could consider, if you see any jumping spiders outside maybe take them into the greenhouse.

[@deborahcrutchfield5022]

Love the lids, I will buy the spray ones. The shaker cap ones just use the top of the Parmesan bottles. Here’s a tip. If you are having trouble with Wood bees in your barns , get a paper sack fill it with plastic bags or old news paper tie the end and hang it up. Wood bees will think it’s a Hornet 🐝 nest and not come back . They hate them. It really works.

[@eightacrehomestead]

Thank you for the wood bee tip. I am going to try it.

[@deborahcrutchfield5022]

@@eightacrehomestead Your Welcome

[@carriebrown8550]

I like the lid idea. I use the lids from the parmesan cheese containers. They fit the regular mouth mason jars.

[@amayastrata4629]

Boiled rhubarb leaves are good for bugs too and mixed with a bit of natural soap does a good job, and cheap.

[@nancyfahey7518]

Kudos to the smart kids.

[@taylorpenn7650]

Diatomacious Earth is amazing!! I use it to line my basement, attic, sometimes even window sills if I'm having issues with bugs! Fun fact...its great for fleas as well! You can actually put it on your dog or cat, let it sit for a couple minutes, and then give them a normal bath. Works wonders!

[@deannastevens1217]

Earwigs are Crazy Bad this year. Thank you for this video.

[@tawnyagarrison8311]

Find there entry point and use cinnamon. Buy a big jar just for your garden. Also super love the jar lid's!💗💗💗

[@bugbusters5775]

Jill. Carpenter ants tend to farm aphids more then other ants. There may be a nest in a tree or stump close to your greenhouse. The ants will trial back to the nest and you can follow them at dusk to Find it and eliminate them at the source.

[@soniamarshall9293]

We are at the end times. It has been a strange year! Bugs are eating my veggies and this is helpful. Was thinking of making a solution. Thanks for your recipes.

[@margaretgomer8782]

Thank you so much for your assistance,I live in Western Australia,so I am still working out planting times .

[@mamariaesparza8623]

Parmesan cheese lids fit mason jars perfectly for shaker lids

[@ddmax3864]

Harvest preying mantis cocoons. Keep cool and put in your greenhouse in November or December so they hatch out about same time your plants get growing. Lacewing larvae abd adults keep white flies abd aphids in check as well

[@TressaZimmerman]

Thanks so much for sharing. 😀👍 Those lid things are great too.

[@jerryriginil7698]

Thanks Jill, awesome info!

[@susanelliott1970]

I have used the plastic cap from jar Parmesan cheese as a shaker top. Fits regular mouth jars perfectly

[@rrbb36]

I like to use garlic infused water added to a small amount of Dr Braunner’s Castile soap. After the chopped garlic soaks in a water overnight, I strain out the garlic, add 1 tsp of Castile soap to the garlic water, pour it off into a spray bottle, then shake well before spraying . Only takes a minute and I don’t have to break out (or clean) the blender. Works for me 👍even in the humid south...the birthplace of all bugs.🤣

[@Monkchip]

It's possible in Michigan, also. I picked up a 'farm box' from Eastern Market in Detroit, and in that box was a Plastic container with Spinach in it. As I opened the bag, ready to wash it and put in with salad, I saw all the furry eggs on almost all the spinach. I called the Farm, also in Michigan, and no one answered, so I left a message about the bug eggs. Unfortunately, I never heard back, but ultimately, I never went back to the Eastern Market, and threw out the bag if spinach. Ya gotta watch out for what you buy.....

[@kristinreynolds577]

I am so thankful that you made this video!! We decided to not do raised bed gardens this year and we have been paying for it with bugs!! I came across your videos, thanks for Danelle from Weed'em and Reap, and found your spray video! I made it and immediately starting spraying our plants! It has made all the difference!! Im so thankful that someone has figured these remedies out and made videos for the rest of us! Thanks again, Kristin from Oklahoma

[@gig777]

Bugs hate garlic as well. Add some heads of fresh garlic to that onion mixture for added insurance. The bugs won't touch your plants.

[@daisygurl3601]

Love the simplicity of the bug deterrents. Thank you for sharing. Blessings...

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Ants do like aphids. I did hear about that long ago that ants treat aphids like ranchers do with cattle. It was very fascinating. Ladybugs are a good way of treating aphids. I'm originally from a very large farm in Alberta, Canada, and we had cattle, so learning about the ant and aphid thing was quite the comparison. Thanks for sharing this. Cheers!

[@therusticranchgarden]

This is great information. Thank you so much. Blessings for a great harvest.

[@marilynmarilynohearn476]

Thank you for all of the good tips. I love your bideos

[@ubroberts5541]

Like all scourge on free states, I’m sure they are a California export. We have this problem in Arizona with Cali imported garden plants bringing them along at Home Depot’s in our state. Lowe’s and Home Depot are spreading insects and diseases to other states.

[@lisabrown5976]

Didn't know this! Great information!

[@Angela152half]

I just ordered my set. Thank you for the information.

[@Fetykolovesdmb]

Just ordered mine!! Thanks for posting about these!! ❤️❤️😁

[@rubytuby6369]

VT, Dr. Bronner‘s peppermint soap, and diatomaceous earth. These work best for me, also like to use a watering can instead of a sprayer it’s been so much easier.

[@tmckmusic8584]

Good tip with the watering can! Thanks!

[@RoseCottageColleen]

I love ReCap. They have some great stuff. I use Dr. Bronner's soaps as well. When I followed the link to the site they are giving $10 off though instead of $15. Love your channel, so happy I found it.

[@luckypenny312]

I have a huge aphid infestation too! Baffling!

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

Thanks! I just made a batch of the onion/cayenne spray and used peppermint castile soap. Here's hoping it takes care of potato bugs! God bless.

[@AlaskaRuralHomestead]

I have use that method before but also try a diatomaceous earth and just a sprinkle that on your plants and it will kill the aphids

[@mssixty3426]

Many thanks for this!

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

I love these lids! I've been using them for a while.

[@wildwaning9427]

Luv the lids...makes not having to transfer liquids/oils 3 times over. Thanks!!

[@tonyastadt9866]

Growing a garden is an inspiration in life it really makes you have challenges and enjoy Yummy food!! My highlight this year is growing a different variety of tomatoes and radishes really looking forward to trying them hopefully they will bless me with yummyess!!😋💚

[@DavisFamilyLife]

Fantastic timing! We were just talking about what we could use on our plants. Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@bcvahsfam]

I'm REALLY liking your videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@theprairiehomestead]

Thanks for watching! :) I sure will

[@FarmhouseTeas]

Your gardens are looking great! Love those lids!!

[@vernaweese6120]

I learned that about ants last year. Weird and cool. But I had to get rid of them.!

[@remnantfewministriesminist495]

Thank you! This was a very useful info..love the lids!

[@WellaWally65]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@theprairiehomestead]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@ThisisSeeLifeHomesteading]

Love this !

[@officialtimothyphoenix]

With aphids I always spray the soap on the bottom side of the leaves because that is where most of them will hide from predators and the sun.

[@laurasparkman2660]

If you add lemongrass, be prepared to have honeybees all over the place as lemongrass is a honeybee attractant!

[@catherinemartina6469]

you can also buy the castile soap in mint.

[@richardshort4587]

Aphids tend to congregate under the leaf and so spraying upwards will also help. You can also dig in a water tub with a resting/sitting rock in the middle and bring in a frog or two or toad and they eat all the big stuff. As for ants, I’ve had zero results using Diatomaceous earth or honey and sodium bicarbonate. The diatomaceous earth ends up like a sand pit they congregate to play in. I was told it’s ground up crustaceans and the sharpness of the particles cut the ants to bits. Mine use it like talcum powder after a shower. The other honey and bicarbonate bait they just walk around it. So in the end it’s a chemical spray for me and their gone instantly. Good luck Jill, love you’re channel and the great stuff you produce for us video hungry subscribers. If you get slugs place crushed egg shells around the base of your plants. They won’t cross over that as it cuts them to.

[@sabbathkeeper328]

Awesome 👍👍👍🥰

[@josephgioielli]

Oh Dr Bonner's The craziest soap in the world.

[@ericwalstrand3512]

Some people will plant tobacco plants with the garden which supposed to repel aphids. Putting out chewing tobacco and snuff is supposed to help also.

[@Emma-3010]

I found a tip years ago from an old "Hints from Heloise." Talc based baby powder for ants. It doesn't kill them but it makes them move their mounds. I was in TX at the time and used it to get fire ants out of the edge of my compost pile. It works. Ants won't cross a line of it, either.

[@bobkernahan6340]

The ants have to go before the lady bugs will work, the ants actually protect the aphids Thanks for your videos

[@bcaldwell3849]

I use cinnamon around the base of my hummingbird feeders. Ants do not like cinnamon. Diatomaceous Earth is a concern. I definitely wouldn’t use it anywhere there are blooms nearby. Honeybees have enough troubles without us adding to it. 🐝

[@madelynpasseggiata7833]

My dad grew garlic, hot peppers and sprayed on plants

[@austenhead5303]

Charles Dowding (who is a God of gardening and knows everything) says that you don't need to panic about aphids. They show up in the spring a couple weeks before ladybugs and during those couple weeks they can seem like they're taking over everything, but in reality they don't do much damage, and then the ladybugs deal with them, so you can just ignore them. Or if you want to, you can just spray them off the leaves with a water hose. Once they're on the ground, they won't make it back up onto the plant, they'll just die.

[@tavery2010]

Companion planting might help with some if the bug issues.

[@deannastevens1217]

This really is a wonderful video. I do use Dr, Bronner's items and my favorite Castille soap is the Peppermint. I followed the link above, but the kit was only $10 dollars off. I am really appreciating this channel. and as I said in a previous comment. The earwigs here are horrible. They are in my sewing studio and eating everything in the garden. I'm picking DE tomorrow.

[@ellawempen40]

Please show us your animal sprays. I would love some more natural ways to treat my animals!

[@Souperat60]

Hey Jill👋🏼. You should see what we have to deal with here in Virginia. 😩 Giant Locust!! They’re absolutely everywhere!! And they’re so very loud. Don’t know how much longer they will be here.

[@jamiegarren1895]

Yes unfortunately this is something that happens I think it’s every 17 years and we’re in that year. We haven’t seen any where we are in Georgia but my husband said Ellijay Georgia has a lot of them right now

[@Souperat60]

Oh I hope you don’t get them-they are gross!! You have to dodge them outside🤣. Darlene, from Souper at 60🇺🇸

[@AlaskaRuralHomestead]

Also the spray is great but if you are using oil’s in your spray be careful because if it’s too cold it could kill some of your plants also if you spray it on there when it’s too hot it will also kill some of your plants possibly

[@wdtaut5650]

Have you tried bug juice? The one you make, not the commercial product. It is really effective on larger insects such as potato beetles.

[@annamcg928]

My tomatoes have them 😒 I sprayed some peppermint and rosemary with water. I didn't use soap though. I will now! I have a few lady bugs I will leave them.

[@suzannemetzger1790]

Any suggestions for mites? Thank you! Btw, love the spray lids!

[@Zeppelin2]

Have you had any experience with Neem oil for a pesticide?

[@Zadok153]

I have had great success with NEEM and diatomacious earth.

[@Minerd19]

This is such a great video and great information. Do you happen to have a formula for fungus on hydrangea or similar plant? Thank you!

[@Jane-xh6fv]

Aphids have nearly killed my 4 year old cherry tree…I’m making this as soon as I see them again this year!

[@mkshffr4936]

I have a large plot of peppermint growing in the back yard. Can I use the fresh leaves to make the soap spray?

[@theprairiehomestead]

Totally!

[@Homeschoolmama2020]

This coming year will be my 2nd year having a garden. I’m so glad I found your video! I struggled with mealy bugs and aphids in my raised garden bed s last year. My tomato’s actually got black spots and wilted over and died. I was blessed though with good cucumber plants, bell pepper plants, and banana peppers. I was looking for an organic way to deal with bugs. Is the soapy essential spray safe to spray when your plants are producing vegetables.

[@freelivingtennessee]

The pest pressure has been unreal this year in NY

[@oliviakoschara5318]

I know this comment is a year old but I moved away from upstate NY last year beginning of August and ohhh my Lanta. The bugs were SO BAD when we left there, and I grew up there and had never seen that in my life! It is forever burned in my memory. Hope this year is better for you all!

[@freelivingtennessee]

@@oliviakoschara5318 haha we’re actually in Tennessee now! I left my huge in ground garden behind when we sold and moved the family to East Tennessee a rental now but have a small container garden and trying to navigate their pests and diseases on the fly 😂 hoping bc it’s a first year spot the pest pressure will be minimal. Each year you garden the pests seem to establish themselves and some overwinter 😫😫😫😫

[@freelivingtennessee]

@@oliviakoschara5318 and thank you for the well wishes!

[@wendywobbles1]

The ant's have been learning how to from your videos hahaha ;)

[@theprairiehomestead]

I think so!

[@silentsandwind]

ants dislike wet wood with fungi in it maybe it scares them telling that flood is possible in the area. So maybe that dry soil covered from rain is what attracts them

[@ShesMakinDough]

I used biotone when transplanting my plants and then aphids came like crazy!!!!! I tried neem and baking soda and all the things...the biotone was the only new thing and every plant I added it to got aphids so disappointed because I never had any problems before

[@rebeccapettifer6553]

Do you know of any spray or powder that will keep ground squirrels or regular squirrels out of my garden?

[@bernadettebento1419]

Sounds like aphid slaves to me! lol! Thank you! Looking forward to learning from you.

[@Zadok153]

I love your countertop. What material is it made from?

[@sharoncundiff7680]

I'm confused...you mentioned that the link would reflect $15 off, however it reflects a price difference of 10.95. Regular price $40.95 sale price of $30. Is the link correct?

[@michellemc4175]

I planted mustard and every aphid zeroed in on the mustard, so I lost my mustard but everything else was dandy.

[@BrLambert]

Bugs are not suppose to be a part of this gardening thing in my opinion (I'm new) but I saw a grasshopper on my zucchini plant and murdered was in the air. Thanks for the spray infor.

[@jenniferk9408]

This is so helpful! Quick question- I don't have castile soap. Can I use dawn dish soap?

[@theprairiehomestead]

Yep!

[@MrsThebault]

This is exactly what I needed!! I have a soap spray but I don’t love using it. I’ve also learned that aphids will congregate in soil that’s too high in nitrogen. Any thoughts?

[@justpatty7328]

Aphids feed on organic matter and the plants roots are attacked by the larvae. Another option is to allow soil to dry out before watering to reduce larvae and yellow sticky traps will catch the hatched Aphid population. I use T-drops for houseplants. For edible plants, starts, etc. Indoors I would use the Soap mixture with EO's.

[@elizabethgassaway9519]

I read that coffee grounds sprinkled around areas that have aphids and ants will cause them to move. Maybe it balances the soil that is high in nitrogen and the insects do not like the acid?

[@jaminacabral1674]

Love your videos do you have any videos on earwigs?

[@donna7881]

I use that same mixture too however I use 1 T oil in mine it seems go further & no harm to the plants

[@mamariaesparza8623]

Been waiting for you lol

[@iseetheglory4593]

Does the natural repellent repel ladybug???

[@asiatic777]

We love are Freemasons Jars ....hee hah

[@championdreamer_5]

Gardening in south Dakota this year... It is my first year trying this. I hear grasshoppers are a big pest. Will the onion spray work for that?

[@hayatarramdani7949]

From where did you buy that spray bottle please

[@megc5350]

Would the soap spray ok and pretty much anything if not what do you recommend to not use it on

[@strawberryme08]

Peppermint didn’t repel ants in my house when I tried it :/ diatomaceous earth is the exoskeleton of diatoms. And yes Tiny and sharp and cuts the bug so they bleed and die.

[@mermiefasmart1387]

ALL that's really GREAT information ! THANK YOU !!! One good turn deserves another. So, here's mine to you. "KEFIR" is pronounced "keff-ear"...NOT "key-fur". And know we BOTH know !

[@mermiefasmart1387]

In addition, sprinkling some flour on aphids works well on tender young plants. The aphids eat the flour and die of constipation.

[@bcvahsfam]

I've heard it both ways (the pronunciation of kefir).

[@mermiefasmart1387]

@@bcvahsfam Surely you have. If you look it up you'll learn the origin and the correct pronunciation. Just because you've heard it said wrong, doesn't make it right.

[@savannahcassell4761]

Where do you get your ladybugs? I have been thinking of doing this.

[@DE2borknot2b]

Savannah Cassell - a plant nursery may carry them. Online is another option, just research the business you buy from (reviews, etc.).

[@christenknapple8979]

How do you use it on your chicken coop? Just bought my first chickens!

[@justpatty7328]

Use DE around your coop, inside. Do not add to your nesting boxes, once laying eggs. I have a dust bath area: charcoal from wood broken down, dirt, DE according to package, and you can add fresh dried herbs like Rosemary and Peppermint. All of this is to deter pests. It's how birds clean themselves, interestingly enough. Check online for tutorials on creating a dust bath. Blessings to you.

[@practicallyheidi8505]

Wonder if it would work for Japanese Beetles?

[@pamelaremme38]

Would eucalyptus essential oil work?

[@betsyjocarter3401]

Could I use citronella oil ?

[@marilyn2159]

Does the first one work on earwigs?

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

Those were Potato plants.