You could purchase an organic insecticide, but why not make your own? It’s easy and affordable. Insects and rabbits like bland food. Making your garden spicy is a great way to prevent insects and other pests from eating your harvest.

Hot Pepper Spray

1. In a blender mix together a couple of hot peppers (cayenne or habanera) with a cup of water

2. Puree the mixture and strain out any solids

3. Add enough water to make a gallon of concentrated hot pepper juice

4. Mix a quarter cup of the concentrated hot pepper juice with a gallon of water and 1-2 Tbsp of liquid soap (to help the spray stick to the plants)

5. Make sure you don’t use a scented liquid soap or soap with dyes which can harm your plants

6. Test the spray on a few leaves before you apply to the entire plant

7. Apply the spray once a week, or after it rains. The smell will be strong when first applied but will fade and your vegetables will not take on the odor or taste of the spray

Garlic Spray

1. Roughly chop 1-2 garlic bulbs and place in a quart jar

2. Pour boiling water over the garlic, enough to fill the jar

3. Close the jar and let it sit overnight

4. Strain out the chunks of garlic and add the garlic water to your sprayer along with 1-2 drops of liquid soap (to help the garlic water stick to the plants)

5. Keep leftover garlic water in the freezer for later use

6. Make sure you don’t use a scented liquid soap or soap with dyes which can harm your plants

7. Test the spray on a few leaves before you apply to the entire plant

8. Apply the spray once a week, or after it rains. The smell will be strong when first applied but will fade and your vegetables will not take on the odor or taste of the spray.

Contact Cedargate Landscaping to learn more about designing and planting an organic vegetable garden. Or, consult our Plant Guide for help choosing the right plants for your garden.