Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, is licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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Soapy water garden spray is the most basic and simple organic garden spray that you can make at home or even on the toilet. It often serves as a base to other garden sprays, or it can be used on its own. Soapy water can be enough to kill some pest insects when sprayed directly on them.
Ingredients
- 16g / 1/2oz pure soap powder
- 2 liters (0.5 US gal) /67 fl.oz water
Steps
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Community Q&A
- QuestionHow much soap should I use in one of those hose containers (yard fertilizer) to be effective? I have too many plants in my yard to use a spray bottle.
Community AnswerIf you are using a commercial insect killing soap, follow the directions for dilution given on the container. If you are making your own insect killing soap spray, choose your soap carefully. Strong detergents may burn some plants. Use an environmentally friendly (biodegradable) soap. The standard dilution for hand spraying is 1 tablespoon (15 mL) soap to 1 gallon (about 3.75 L) water. Your hose end sprayer should show the appropriate amounts of concentrate to add for the desired amount of mixed spray. - QuestionHow to get rid of blackflies on outdoor plants?
Community AnswerIf the infestation is not too bad, you may be able to knock them back with a strong stream of water from the hose. They are delicate bugs and easily dislodged. A mild soap spray will kill them on contact. Any decent garden supply store will carry a commercial brand. Encourage the 'good' bugs that eat them - ladybugs and their larva top the list - by planting many different kinds of flowering plants, especially the 'weedy' ones like feverfew, Queen Anne's lace and anise.
Tips
- It is also possible to use liquid soap to make this solution. Mix 1 - 2 tablespoons liquid soap and 950ml / 1 quart water.[1]Thanks
- It works best for ridding plants of caterpillars, aphids, mealy bug and scale.Thanks
- This is a contact pest controlling spray. As such, for it to work it must make contact with the pest insects. The spray works by suffocating the insects by making a film coating around their bodies.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Mixing container
- Spray bottle
References
- ↑ Annie B Bond, Best Ever Garlic Spray for Garden Pests
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