Home Made Herbal Sprays

The following recipes make effective herbal sprays for the control of garden problems. Adhesion can be improved in most cases with the use of a wetting agent or a spreader sticker.

SPRAY	PESTS	RECIPE
Elder	General pesticide and fungicide. Especially good for: aphids, caterpillars, thrips and blackspot.	500g Elder leaves 3.5L water Simmer leaves in water for 30 minutes. Replace water lost as steam. Strain and spray.
Chilli and Wormwood	Spray on plants to repel: possums, rabbits, snails and slugs. Kills: aphids, bean fly and white fly.	1 cup of Chillies 1 cup of Wormwood leaves 6 cups of water Blend Chillies and Wormwood with 1 cup of water. Add 5 cups of water and bring to the boil. Allow to stand for one hour. Strain and spray. Do not allow to come in contact with eyes or skin!
Coriander (Cilantro)	spider mites and aphids	1 part Coriander plant equal part water Boil Coriander and water for 10 minutes. Strain and spray.
Chamomile, Chives, Elder, Horseradish and Casuarina	General fungicide. Good for: mildew, blackspot, damping off and rust.	Take a selection of: Chamomile flowers, Chive leaves, Elder leaves, Horseradish leaves and Casuarina leaves. Cover with water. Bring to the boil. Let stand 30 minutes. Spray.
Pyrethrum and Feverfew	General pest killer.	2 parts Feverfew flowers 1 part Pyrethrum flowers Kerosene or Mineral oil 2 drops Sesame oil Chop flowers. Cover with kerosene or mineral oil. Soak overnight in a dark place. Strain liquid. Dilute one part liquid in six parts water. Add sesame oil and spray.
Pennyroyal	Ant repellent. Paint Pennyroyal oil on ant tracks and nests.	½ cup of Pennyroyal leaves 1 cup of Safflower oil Combine Pennyroyal and oil in a blender. Bottle and cap. Leave for a day in a warm spot.