How to use garlic as a natural insect repellent in your garden

Insects can be a problem in our flowerpot or in our garden. Some, like the White fly, constitute a plague, which affects many of our vegetables and plants. There are natural remedies against them, we can even make an insect repellent at home. It is also advisable to know ecological repellents and fungicides to complement our gardening strategies.

Plant aromatic near our vegetables is a good preventive measure, but we can also use other repellants, with a homemade solution based on it, a great ally in the fight against insects. Garlic is not only a popular condiment in the kitchen, but it's also known for its insecticidal properties, making it a natural and effective option for protecting our crops. Furthermore, the use of garlic can be combined with other practices, such as intercropping.

Why use garlic as an insect repellent?

Garlic (Allium sativum) has several bioactive compounds, including allicin, which not only gives it its characteristic scent but also has repellent and antibacterial properties. This substance acts by interfering with the nervous system of insects, which drives them away and decreases their reproductive capacity. In addition, garlic helps prevent fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust, making it an ally in protecting our plants. For those looking for more advice on caring for their crops, you can check out how to eliminate parasites from the soil.

Preparing garlic repellent

To make at home a garlic repellent, we will proceed as follows:

1. Boil for half an hour a liter of water with five well crushed garlic cloves.
2. Dejar cool the water and strain the mixture.
3. The resulting liquid can be spray on our plant to deter various insects. For good gardening practices, it is important to know how preserve garlic adequately.

The strong odor emitted by garlic can be inconvenient, but it won't affect the flavor of the vegetables. However, it's advisable not to use this repellent during flowering season, as it can repel important pollinators like bees.

Effectiveness of garlic against different pests

Homemade garlic repellent is effective against a variety of pests and diseases, such as:

• Mites
• babas
• Miners
• Suckers
• borers
• Chewers
• Aphids and aphids
• Bacteria and fungi
• Nematodes

To maximize its effectiveness, it is recommended to apply the repellent every 3 to 5 days until you notice a decrease in pests, and then continue with a weekly application for maintenance. If you would like to learn more about nematode control, you can consult nematode repellents.

Alternatives and combinations

In addition to garlic, other ingredients can be added to enhance the effectiveness of the repellent:

• Neutral or biodegradable soap: adds grip.
• A little vegetable oil: It also helps so that the mixture adheres better to the leaves and stems.

Other uses of garlic in agriculture

The use of garlic is not limited to the preparation of repellents. Growing it intercropped with other vegetables can help improve the overall health of plants. In fact, garlic acts as a bracing, helping plants regain their energy and resilience to environmental stress. To optimize health in the garden, it's helpful to know about plants for low hedges, which also help in the fight against pests.

Some recommendations include:

• Planting garlic in rows interspersed with vegetables to deter insects.
• Using garlic as an irrigation infusion, which provides nutrients and helps prevent disease.

garlic cultivation

Growing garlic is relatively simple and can be done at home. To plant:

1. Preparing the soil making sure it is light and loose, adding compost or manure.
2. Plant garlic cloves in autumn or winter, placing them vertically with the tips pointing upwards.
3. Water adequately from time to time to maintain soil moisture.

Garlic can be harvested around 190 days after planting, at which point it can be used both in cooking and in making repellents. In addition to being a useful crop, intercropping garlic with other vegetables provides a additional protection against pests. This is complemented by a broader knowledge of the health of plants in the garden.

Garlic is an excellent option for those looking to control pests naturally. Its use as a repellent is not only effective but also safe for the environment and for those who consume the treated products. Since it's easy to make at home with natural ingredients, it's an accessible solution for any gardening enthusiast.