Sentry Page Protection

Tip Store: Gardening: Pests

​Keeping Marsupials Out of the Garden

If you notice some damage to your crops, and suspect rats, possums, etc., you can spread chilli powder on the soil around the plant. You need to be consistent and replace the powder when it disappears, but it is a really good organic way to protect your fruit and veg. This only works with animals, it doesn't bother insects and birds, because like us, they don't want a mouth full of it. 
Contributed by Charise Morris

Soap Scrap Spray For Your Garden

​Soap based sprays are useful for dealing with soft bodied insects such as aphids, white flies and thrips. As a contact spray, it must be applied directly onto the pest to be effective. Contact sprays need to reapplied after rain or any time plants are watered overhead by hose or sprinkler etc.

Rather than make a soap solution each time, I keep a stock ready to go by slipping scraps of bathroom soap into a spray bottle then half to three quarter filling with warm water. Replace the spray top and shake the bottle well until the water is good and cloudy. Once the water has cooled, the spray is ready to go. Simply top the bottle up after use and you're ready to go next time too. (If the water is too hot the bottle will distort and it may even damage the spray mechanism).

I keep a bottle in my kitchen (for the kitchen garden and one in the garage for the vegie garden and fruit trees.

Being bath soap, I don't have to worry about the safety of the kids, pets or hens. Likewise, there's no withholding period after use. Vegies and fruit can be used immediately after a good rinse. Best of all, I don't need to find suitable gloves or cover up when using it.

You can add a teaspoonful of veg oil if you like to help the spray adhere to the pests but I find this often isn't necessary.
Contributed by Delaney Avenel

Egg Shell Gardening

​Instead of putting your egg shells into the compost, save them for deterring unwanted pests attacking your veggie garden. I remove the inner lining of the eggs, wash them and let them dry out (means there will be no odour when stored) and place the egg shells into a container in the shed with some breathing holes in the top. Whenever I see my lettuce, bok choy or green leafy veggies being attacked by snails, slugs or earwigs I simply crumble up the egg shells around the veggies to stop the insects getting to them. Apparently they don't like the rough edges of the egg shells and stay away. I will even combine this with left over coffee grounds for more effectiveness, it works a treat.
Contributed by Daniel Norton

Grandma's White Oil - It Works!

This is a recipe to make white oil for your plants. My grandmother swears by it!

1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with ½ cup of dishwashing liquid. Blend it up until it's well mixed. This is your concentrate and can be stored in a jar. Make sure you label the jar and also note the dilution rate (so you don't forget!).

2. Make the white oil solution by diluting 1 tablespoon of the concentrate in a litre of water, mix it well. Spray as needed. N.B - using the wrong dilution can burn your plants leaves etc.
Contributed by Jessica B.

Soapy Wash for Fruit Trees

Put a squirt of dish detergent in a bucket of warm water and throw over the tree and trunk, you may need a couple of goes to cover the whole tree, let it dry and then hose the tree and trunk down with a good jet of water. The soapy water kills the mold and the hose washes it off. You may need to do it a couple of times a month to get rid of it all depending on how bad it is. I saw this on Better Homes and Gardens.
Contributed by Sian Carson

Cure a Sooty Mildew Problem

Triforine diluted in water to the recommended rate, as stated on the back of the bottle, should help the mildew problem, on the citrus tree.
Contributed by Denise Whiting

A Soapy Wash for Fruit Trees

My Mum years ago only used to throw a bucket of soapy washing water from the washing machine over her fruit trees. She had beautiful fruit and no problems with her citrus trees. Dad used to dig in shavings from a drill once a year.
Contributed by Robyn Neal

Dealing with Black Sooty Mould

Sooty mould forms on leaves and stems and is a fungal problem but it doesn't need to be treated with fungicide. Sooty mould actually indicates there is an insect pest, such as white fly. These are sap sucking insects, often found on the undersides of leaves, especially during the cooler weather. These suck sap from the leaves and secrete a sweet honeydew which drips onto the foliage and the sooty mould grows in the secretion. To treat white fly use an oil based spray. Commercial products are available but Peter Cundall's recipe works well. Use about a cup of ordinary cooking oil, a half a cup of water and a tiny amount of ordinary washing-up detergent. This is known as white oil. Put it in water, so it's about 40 parts water to one of this mixture. Stir it up and spray it on.
Contributed by Coral Coulton

It's Easy to Keep Aphids off Your Roses

I have planted a row of Society Garlic adjacent to my roses. When previously aphids loved to feed on the sappy new growth on our roses, now they are nowhere to be seen. The Society Garlic keeps them away. The added bonuses of this garlic is that is has lovely mauve/lilac flowers all through summer and you can chop their strappy garlic flavoured leaves and add them to salads and other dishes. Buy Society Garlic online for the best price - the plants are not expensive. Purchase them at www.greenharvest.com.au or on Ebay.
Contributed by Lorraine Yeomans

Website:  www.greenharvest.com.au

Kill Rose Aphids

Use cold dishwashing water from your sink to spray on roses on roses. It kills aphids although you will still need to remove the dead aphids from leaves. Also growing a garlic plant among roses prevents aphid infestations. I have tried both these methods of pest control and they do work, especially the garlic.
Contributed by Gwen McCaughan

Simple MOO Weedkiller

This tip is a recipe for a MOO weedkiller that I found on the internet, because I wanted to kill the pesky weeds that grow up between paving and joins in the driveway without having a poisonous chemical that could hurt our pets. It's simple and cheap - a good combination! Mix 2 or 3 tablespoons ordinary table salt with about 500mm white vinegar - Homebrand is fine for this purpose and ingredients don't have to be exact. Mix well, make sure the salt is dissolved, put in a spray bottle and soak those pesky weeds! A sunny day is best, the heat of the sun helps the salt to dry out the plant. Be careful not to spray it on any good plants because it will kill them too. best used on areas like paving where you don't want anything to grow. Weeds will dry up in just a couple of days and you can sweep them away with a good outdoor broom. You may have to apply the weedkiller again after a couple of months, or if there is rain soon after application.
Contributed by Keryn Morrison

Exclusion Bags Keep Bugs Away


ou can use Dipel which is considered an organic method for keeping caterpillars away. I have been growing tomatoes successfully for many years and I have found the exclusion bags the best approach. I use PestGuard Bags - http://greenharvest.com.au/PestControlOrganic/ExclusionProducts.html#PestGuardBags. Not only do they keep caterpillars away but they also keep out fruit fly and protect the tomatoes from the harsh summer sun (i.e. generally prevents burning). They seem to grow better in the bags. They can be a bit time consuming but it's the only thing you really have to do to get lovely tomatoes as long as you select a good variety. I typically grow beef steak tomatoes, my favourite being "mortgage lifter". The person who created the natural breed paid off his mortgage from selling the tomatoes plants, a testament to how good they are!
Contributed by Georgia Coleman

Website:  http://greenharvest.com.au/PestControlOrganic/ExclusionProducts.html#PestGuardBags

Caterpillars on Tomatoes

The most effective method is to spray with Dipel, organic approved. Spray plants and surrounding earth - follow the directions on the packet.
Contributed by Neil Skeggs

Caterpillars!

Sprinkle flour over your tomato plants! You can use a shaker, sieve, whatever that works for you. For a start, caterpillars can't 'stick' to the fruit and secondly (I was told), if the caterpillars ingest the flour, it will swell and burst their digestive tracks.
Contributed by Bindii Bee

Bug Free Tomatoes

I grow basil and garlic near the tomatoes and this seems to keep the bugs at bay. Remember that a small loss is better than using chemicals. I do know the frustration as we have a hen who flies over the fence each morning and if a tomato is just starting to ripen she eats it. We just have to pick when there is colour but we still miss the occasional tomato.
Contributed by Ann Green

Garlic Pest Spray

I have had great success with a homemade garlic spray. Roughly chop 200g garlic (it doesn't need peeling) then add 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Cover and soak for 24 hours. Dissolve 20g of pure soap flakes in 1 litre of water. Add to the garlic and mix well. Strain through fine gauze and keep in a non-metallic container in a cool dark place. Use in a spray bottle at the ratio of 1 part garlic solution to 10 parts water. Pick off any caterpillars you can find first then spray liberally on your plants after watering and when they have dried off. Repeat daily for a week and you should be caterpillar free. The bonus is that the spray is cheap and easy to make, as well as being environmentally friendly. Good luck!
Contributed by Karen Kelly

Companion Planting

I have recently started a veggie patch. I started with tomatoes and was told to plant marigolds and basil around it. Between the two it was supposed to keep everything away...so far it has :) And my plats are thriving and all I've added is a little liquid fertilizer every few weeks!!! Good luck.
Contributed by Kellie Davis

Protect Your Tomatoes

Use baby talcum powder to dust the small plants and vegetables to protect them from not only slugs and snails but caterpillars and beetles as well.
Contributed by Penny Hughes, 31st January 2013

Getting Rid of Hornworms on Tomatoes

According to my husband who is a gardener by trade, the "caterpillars" are most likely hornworms. Two suggestions: 1. Place a birdbath near your vegie patch to attract birds which love to eat the hornworms 2. Homemade spray = 5ml veg oil + 5ml liquid soap + 1L water (use sunflower oil as it is GM free!). Spray directly onto the plant, but in temperatures below 27 degrees (you don't want this going into the pores of the plant and causing damage). Best time is in the cool of morning. Hope you have success - there is nothing like the flavour of homegrown tomatoes :)
Contributed by Maree Brew, 31st January 2013

Caterpillars on Your Veggies

I use plain flour on my cabbages and other brassicas. I just wet the leaves with the hose then generously sprinkle on plain flour. It works really well on cabbage white butterfly caterpillars! It works by gumming up their digestive system. It would be worth a try for the ones on your tomatoes as it should have the same effect. I would probably make sure the plants are healthy and give them a feed if they need one and some seaweed tonic as well.
Contributed by Lisa Docherty, 31st January 2013

Caterpillar Spray

I have found that if I simmer some chilies in water then cool and drain and spray this on any veggies or herbs that you want insects to leave alone, this works well.
Contributed by Linda Edridge, 31st January 2013

Give Cats the Pointy End of the Stick

Sometimes thin citrus peels keep away cats but not always.  If you don't want cats using your freshly dug garden as their 'loo' guard your new seedlings with wooden skewers.  Used ones after any sort of kebabs is a good recycling use.  'Plant' them with pointy end up
Contributed by Lois Buxini, 11th July 2010

Orange Peel Bug Catchers

Re: citrus skins - put them upside down and catch slaters - then feed to chooks or throw out.  This tip actually works
Contributed by Lois Buxini, 11th July 2010

Boiling Water Weed Killer

Approximate $ Savings: $100/yr
 
Instead of paying for expensive and unfriendly weed killers that you then have to store just use hot water! Boil the jug and pour it on the weeds, in a few days they will die off. Perfect for weeds in paths, along garden bed edges and for some of those tough weeds coming up in gardens. Cost? a little bit of electricity to boil the water and your time, but no chemicals to clean up or store. Perfect for your health and your budget!
Contributed by Leisa, Wauchope, 9th June 2009

Grow Lavender

Flies hate lavender, so grow some lavender, or use a few drops of pure lavender oil (available in supermarkets, put it in a spray bottle with water and spray surfaces the flies frequent, or spray it at the flies. They will quickly leave.
Contributed by Danick, Cardiff South, 14th February 2009

Grow Fly Repellent Plants

Purchase a few pyrethrum plants from your local nursery, this plant is what most fly sprays are made out of and has a pretty white flower which makes it a useful and effective indoor plant. You may also purchase some extract from the plant, try the nursery or agricultural supplier and mix with water in a spray bottle. Best of all it is generally pet, person and ozone friendly.
Contributed by Laura, Smithton, 13th February 2009

Coffee Grinds in the Garden = No Ants

If you have a problem with ants in your garden, simply pop down to your local cafe and ask if they can keep the used coffee grind for you (most cafes keep used coffee grind in a bin till the end of the day). Sprinkle the coffee grind through your garden and the ants will be gone.
Contributed by Lisa, Boronia Heights, 9th February 2009

Keep the Possums Out of the Garden

To stop possums etc. eating your fruit and vegetables spray them with fish emulsion, just wash before you eat the produce. Fish emulsion e.g. Charlie Carp, also stops some Insects. Remember that you have to spray again after rain as it will wash off.
Contributed by Kathy, Blaranald, 31st January 2010

Scare the Birds Away from the Veggie Garden

I felt like I was feeding all the birds in my neighbourhood with fresh strawberries as they seemed to get them before me. A friend suggested buying toy snakes. I did, draped them over the strawberry and tomato plants and hey presto, the best crop of goodies resulted! The snakes can be bought from your local $2 shop in different colours. They are also great for keeping birds from messing up patios. -
Contributed by Jenny, Glen Waverley, 17th February 2010

Stop the Possums Eating Your Garden

Left over organza made into exclusion bags - in a variety of sizes - is an essential part of our gardening arsenal.  It takes some time to make them but the results of being able to eat own home grown produce is well worth it.  We prevent fruit fly strike as well as beating possums and rodents.
Contributed by Julie Buxton, 18th December 2009

Easy Weeding for Paving

Approximate $ Savings: $10 and your time

I have a smallish area of pavers out the front of my house where I would have to sit down and pull out weeds from between the pavers. I was sometimes successful in getting the weed root and all and sometimes not so successful, which would mean that the weed was back in a couple of weeks. (I don't use insecticides because of kids and dogs). After I have boiled the kettle to make myself a cup of tea, I take the remaining boiled water and pour it over any weeds growing between the pavers which then just die off and can be swept away. I don't spend money on weed killers, break my back or get dirty pulling weeds and I am back in time to drink my tea before it gets cold. I would not recommend doing this for large areas but for my small to medium size court yard and not having much of a green thumb it is great.
Contributed by Gail, North Rocks, 5th November 2009

Fight Bugs With a Natural, Homemade Remedy

To combat caterpillars, aphids and other pests make an all-purpose bug spray using simple ingredients from your garden. Place equal quantities of chopped mint, onion, garlic and lavender tops and stems into a bucket and just cover with water. Leave for 24 hours, then strain. Avoid spraying on a sunny day (especially during summer), as the sun's rays can act as a magnifying glass on the water droplets and burn plants.
Contributed by Harry, North Bayswater, 16th October 2009

Stop Your Plants from Rusting

Rust affects a wide range of veggies including silverbeet, rhubarb, mint, spinach, asparagus, beans and beetroot. It's easily identified by the orange, brown or red pustules on leaves or stems, which break open and release spores. It's worse in wet weather (and we've finally had some rain) and it's spread by splashing water or rain, so avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves to prevent its spread and trim plants. Check that there is enough air circulating, especially around silverbeet and rhubarb. You can spray plants with a suitable fungicide but you must then wait at least 7 days before harvesting again. You'll also need to spray regularly, especially in humid or wet weather. Some organic gardeners use a seaweed spray to keep rust at bay. And remember to put any cuttings in the green waste bin and not the compost bin to prevent re-infecting your garden.
Contributed by Harry, North Bayswater, 16th October 2009

Keeping the Garden Weed Free

Approximate $ Savings: $7.00/fortnight
 
After all the rain we had, everything in my garden was growing with vigor again, including the weeds. I was looking around the shops for a reasonably priced weedkiller and found one for about $8.00. The bottle lasted for about one session of spraying just the worst weeds that had cropped up. It took about 10 days for the weeds to die, but in the meantime new ones had cropped up, so I had to go put buy some more weedkiller and start again. Then I discovered a really cheap method, that works nearly overnight. I used the old weedkiller bottles and mixed 5 parts white vinegar (the cheapest one), 1 part table salt and 1 part dishwashing liquid (homebrand) and sprayed it on the weeds during the hot part of the day. The weeds had all shrivelled up by the next day, I surprised myself. Making up a bottle of homemade weedkiller, has cost me about $ 1.00, a cool saving of $ 7.00. And very important also is, that I can spray it freely, wherever the weeds are, without fear that my little grandson, my 2 dogs or my cat could come to harm.
Contributed by Sabine, Upper Coomera, 3rd December 2008

Carpet the Garden to Keep Weeds Down

Approximate $ Savings: $7.50 per metre plus depending on the type of mat you want
 
Instead of going and buying weed mat for your garden, a simple and cheep alternative is to use old carpet squares. You can get them for nothing or next to nothing from old building renovations and it saves the person removing it from filling a skip that has to be removed when full.
Contributed by Airlie, Werribee, 25th October 2008

Scare the Birds Away

To save time and effort in cleaning bird poo off outdoor furniture or BBQ's, invest in a toy snake from a discount store like the Reject Shop (approx $2).  Place the toy snake anywhere in plain view of birds and they will stay well away. Also works to keep birds away from laundry on the line, and from your veggie patch!
Contributed by Natalie, Cranbourne North, 2nd October 2008

"Free" Weedicide

Don't waste money buying weedicide to clean up weedy paths. Use the hot water left over in the kettle after making the cup of coffee. It works wonders, helps the environment and is safer for family and pets.
Contributed by Joanne, Box Hill South, 20th March 2008

A Pesticide Use and a Warning

A spray of Aerogard will kill weeds within 10 minutes. (Rather costly). But, imagine what it does to our skin!!
Contributed by Rosemaria, Koroit, 3rd December 2007

Weed 'n' Feed

Yates Weed 'n' Feed is perfect. It is not a chemical, the active constituent is mainly nitrogen, with potassium and iron. This fertilizes the lawn, while killing the weeds. Apparently weeds do not like nitrogen. It also contains a wetting agent. You can apply Weed 'n' Feed with a watering can, or attached to your hose. I find it brilliant, and the difference in the colour of my lawn is amazing. A word of caution - it is NOT suitable for buffalo lawns.
Contributed by Suzanne, Clarkson, 30th November 2007

Suck 'Em Up

I have had this problem and I have used the Victa Vac. Just mow the lawn really low then get a long extension cord out and Victa Vac the lawn on the lowest setting. If you don't have a Victa Vac someone maybe able to loan you one as you will only need to use it the once. Don't let the weeds flower the following season, get them out just prior to flowering, it is the flower that becomes the seed. It works a treat - NO MORE BINDIES !!
Contributed by Julie, Seaford, 30th November 2007

Bindii Solution

Gardening Australia recommended this and I have tried it and it does work and not kill the grass. Iron Sulphate, 2 tablespoons to 4 L of water. In addition I am trying the outside blower/vacuum, on vacuum, to collect the loose bindies in the lawn area.
Contributed by Paula, Oakden, 30th November 2007

Granddad's Lawn Sand

This I heard on Gardening Australia a couple of weeks ago and am about to try this for myself. Given everything else they recommend has worked, this will too. Also from everything I have seen it will not hurt to do it at this time of the year. I have added their website address to help you with other questions you may have re your garden, this is my favourite source of information for my garden. Have fun and good luck.

Jerry's recipe for a weed free lawn.
At this time of year, broad leaf weeds or flat weeds in lawns can be a real nuisance. Many years ago, when I was living in London, my grandfather came up with a secret lawn sand recipe. It's simple, cheap, effective and safe to use.

Buy the ingredients for Granddad's lawn sand at any hardware store or garden centre. The ingredients include: dry washed sand, sulphate of potash and iron sulphate.

Use a plastic bucket and a plastic measuring container because these can be washed after use. Simply mix the ingredients in equal proportions. So put in one cup of washed sand, one cup of sulphate of potash or sulphate of ammonia and one cup of the iron sulphate, and mix these up immediately.

It's important to use exactly what you make because it doesn't store well. If it soaks up any humidity, it will become rock solid. Also wear gloves because the iron sulphate can make your hands rusty.

Granddad's lawn sand is fantastic for controlling a variety of weeds in the lawn. It's especially good for attacking cudweed, bindii, white clover, cat's ear and plantain. Sprinkle by hand aiming directly at the weeds. There's no need to cover the entire lawn. It's best to apply just before sunset so that dew fall will activate the mix, or lightly sprinkle the treated weeds to damp them down to start the process.

To control all weeds repeat this operation every other week. Remember lawn sand won't kill narrow leaf weeds like onion weed or winter grass, or waxy leaf weeds like some types of oxalis. If the mix comes in contact with flowers or footpaths, wash it off with water immediately. Keep a watering can nearby when applying.

If pets or children want to use the garden, water the lawn sand in the following morning. As soon as it's dry, it's safe for them to go into the garden. Iron sulphate can stain clothes and skin, so always wash hands after use. The sulphate of ammonia is basically a nitrogen fertiliser and the iron sulphate is a tonic that provides iron to plants. Both are chemical fertilisers that in this case are used as herbicides. The objective is to complete the task in mid-winter, particularly in eastern and southern Australia. This prevents the weeds setting seed and starting another generation. The end result to aim for is a lush, thick sward of grass that helps to suppress weeds.

Website: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1366394.htm
 

Carpet as a Weed Mat

Easiest and cheapest way is to cover with old carpet OR go to carpet wholesaler and help yourself from their leftover bins. If you don't like the look cover with mulch. Remove after about six weeks - if you leave carpet down too long it'll disintegrate and be almost impossible to remove. Easier to use than newspaper or cardboard - more efficient!
Contributed by Julie, East Victoria Park, 1st December 2007

Pluck for Permanent Removal

I don't use any chemicals at all the best and only way to get rid of them is to use and old strong kitchen fork wear gloves and sit down and slide the fork under the bindii and pluck them out I live on acreage and just put 10 minutes a day a side and in know time the bindies are gone. I even listen to my favourite music so I actually enjoy my 10 minutes of peace. Happy bindii picking :-)
Contributed by Sindy, Megeeraba, 1st December 2007

Salt the Weeds and Win the Battle

Buy a bag of pool salt from Big W, about $5.50, or a bag of sulphate of ammonia. Pour a thick layer over the weed or bindii patch. Make sure you cover it, and don't spread on any grass you want to keep. Do this on a fine day, when no rain is expected. After several days, you will be able to lift the whole clump of weed off the ground and dispose of it. Another idea is to pour boiling water over the weed, which removes its waxy coating and kills it. You can buy gadgets which burn the weeds, but these will cost more money.
Contributed by Diana, Bonnells Bay, 1stDecember 2007

Salt Water Weed Spray

A cheap way to get rid of bindies and weeds in the garden is to boil the jug, put half a cup of salt in a spray bottle and fill with the hot water. Shake the bottle carefully. Then spray on your weeds. They should be dead in no time!
Contributed by Caren, Toowoomba, 1st December 2007

Kill Bindii with Sulphate of Ammonia

I have just gone through this myself. This year I seemed to have so many bindies and weeds. Buy Sulphate of Ammonia Powder at Hardware /Garden shops. Sprinkle small amount directly on top of the weeds and bindies, leave this for 3+ days till you see the weeds are brown and dead then hose it in. It will make your lawn lush and green and help it grow over the dead area. You need the sun (hotter the better) during the 3 days it's on the weeds as the sun burns the weeds with the sulphate. After the 3 days if it rains all the better. It can be used on all lawns. If you can't hose it in that won't matter it won't affect the lawn.
Contributed by Lyn, Kings Langley, 1st December 2007

Recipe for White Oil

This is the recipe for white oil that Win requires. It is easy to make your own white oil from vegetable oil and liquid soap. Prepare the concentrate using the proportions below. Store in a suitable container. Label the container, making sure to include the dilution rate on the label for quick reference. Ingredients 1/2litre of vegetable oil (any brand) 1/2cup Sunlight dish washing liquid Dilution Dilute the above mix by placing 1 tablespoon into a litre of water. Mix well and spray thoroughly over both sides of the foliage and onto the offending pest. The contents of the stored concentrate will separate over time. Simply ensure that the concentrate is well mixed each time before you attempt to dilute it for use. Spray as often as required. Much cheaper to make at home - hope this helps Win.
Contributed by Julie, East Victoria Park, 19th October 2007

Homemade White Oil is a Very Simple Recipe

Approximate $ Savings: $7

Take your white oil spray bottle and add one part cheap vegetable oil then nine parts water the trick then is to add a dash of dishwashing detergent and shake, instant White oil at a fraction of the cost.
Contributed by Pauline, Maddington, 19th October 2007

White Oil

2 cups oil + 1/2 (half) cup detergent - Blend. Use 1 Tablespoon per litre for spray.
Contributed by Jeannie Bell, 18th October 2007

A Recipe for White Oil Spray

This recipe is from Josh burns from The Gardening Australia program.

Make the oil spray by blending two cups of vegetable oil with one cup of pure liquid soap, and mix it until it turns white. Dilute one tablespoon of the emulsion to one litre of water and spray all affected areas thoroughly. Do this during mild weather, because if it's hot it may burn the plant's leaves.
Contributed by Susan Durrant, 18th October 2007

Oil and Water for White Oil

You can make your own white oil spray- ratio of 1/2 vegetable oil and 1/2 water, place it in a spray bottle and of you go.
Contributed by Vesna, Hurstville, 18th October 2007

Versatile Plant Spray

2 tablespoons Bi Carb Soda, 1 teaspoon of cooking oil, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Mix ingredients together and pour into a 750 Ml spray bottle top it off with water. I have used it on Ficusses and Fuchias. I have slightly weakened the solution to use on Gardenias without any detrimental results.
Contributed by Monika, Innaloo, 18th October 2007

White Oil Mix

1/2 cup oil, 1 - 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon soap flakes. Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake well before use.
Contributed by Veke, Melbourne, 18th October 2007

Vasili's White Oil

I found this great recipe at Vasili's (the garden show on SBS) check out the site http://www21.sbs.com.au/vasilisgarden/ they have heaps of great gardening ideas and recipes you can do yourself for less $$$ including how to get the gel from an aloe plant to use

White Oil Spray Ingredients:
1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon natural soap (in flakes), 1 plastic spray bottle

Method:
Grate the natural soap into the spray bottle (to get soap flakes). Add the vegetable oil and water to the spray bottle. Give the bottle a good shake. Now you can start spraying on all your plants. Maresi!
Contributed by Melinda, Seaford, 18th October 2007

No Need for a Brand of White Oil - Make Your Own

I use this recipe for homemade white oil. You don't need to buy a brand. All you need is an oily substance to coat the insects and they can't breath and die.

1. half a litre of the cheapest vegetable oil you can find (or strained leftover oil after frying chips etc) and,
2. half a cup of dishwashing liquid.

Stir these together in a big jar. This becomes the Concentrate. When you want to spray something, mix 1 tablespoon of the concentrate with 1 litre of water into a recycled spray bottle. Shake like crazy and spray to your heart's content. The concentrate will keep for ages in an air tight jar, but you will need to stir it each time you want to use it, as it tends to separate. Works for me :)
Contributed by Jo Betteridge, 19th October 2007

White Oil Recipe for Wyn

Approximate $ Savings : almost $7.00
Into a 500ml size spray bottle pour 40 - 50 ml any cooking oil, 40-50 ml dishwashing detergent, fill the rest of bottle with water. I feel it is worthwhile to use good quality detergent and oil. It is still cheaper than buying the finished product. Important: Shake the bottle, gently.
Contributed by Marg, Bayswater, 18th October 2007

White Oil

1 cup of cheapest cooking oil, add 1/2cup of water and blend then add small amount of detergent to stop mixture separating and blend again - spray liberally !! Organic and cheap.
Contributed by Julieanne, East Maitland, 17th October 2007

Grandma's Recipe

This is a recipe to make white oil for your plants. My grandmother swears by it! 1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with ﾽ cup of dishwashing liquid. Blend it up until its well mixed. This is your concentrate and can be stored in a jar. Make sure you label the jar and also note the dilution rate (so you dont forget!). N.B - using the wrong dilution can burn your plants leaves etc 2. Make the white oil solution by diluting 1 tablespoon of the concentrate in a litre of water, mix it well. Spray as needed.
Contributed by Jessica, Nowra, 18th October 2007

Organic White Oil

1 cup of cheapest cooking oil add 1/2cup of water and blend then add small amount of detergent to stop mixture separating and blend again - spray liberally!! Organic and cheap.
Contributed by Julieanne, East Maitland, 18th October 2007

Bug Spray

Here is a recipe for an effective bug spray: 2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda 1 teaspoon cooking oil 1 tablespoon white vinegar Put into a spray bottle and top up with water. Shake before use.
Contributed by Jenny, West Beach, 18th October 2007

Effective White Oil Recipe

This is an easy and effective white oil recipe. Put two teaspoons of cooking oil (e.g. canola, vegetable or any type really) and one litre of warm water in a blender and mix well. To use, dilute one part mixture to two parts water. Very economical.
Contributed by Michelle, Cohuna, 17th October 2007

White Oil Spray

Blend together 2 cups of vegetable oil and 1/2 a cup of dishwashing liquid Store in a glass jar and dilute as follows : 1 tablespoon to 1 litre of water in a spray bottle.
Contributed by Angela, Alstonville, 17th October 2007

White Oil Spray is Very Easy

Purchase a container of 'neat' white oil from the garden centre, dilute in a pump spray bottle as per the directions on the white oil bottle, add a dash of dishwashing detergent, give it a good shake - and you're on your way to bug free plants. Be careful not to spray plants in full sun on hot sunny days as the oil can burn the leaves. It's usually the underside of the leaves that need the white oil treatment - and the stalks and stems - especially for scale on citrus trees. Works a charm for me - the hardest part is finding the 'neat' white oil supply!
Contributed by Helen, Caulfield North, 17th October 2007

Buy White Oil and Dilute

White oil is available (well I think so - so long since I bought a tin) in a tin - just a teaspoon or so - as per direction on the tin - with water in a $2 plastic hand sprayer (or used pre-wash spray, or similar, container) and hey presto. Lasts for ages and so is so much cheaper (and better for the environment) than spray cans! If a manual spray bottle is difficult for you there are pump up trigger sprayers available quite cheaply. You can get quite small ones that are not too heavy when full. A good gift idea too! Both sprayers and white oil would be available from garden shops, hardware shops and maybe even your supermarket if it is a large one.
Contributed by Binnie, Yelarbon, 17th October 2007

Homemade Oil Spray

Mix 500ml of vegetable oil with 1/2 cup of Sunlight dishwashing liquid or other pure liquid soap. Blend thoroughly and seal in a clean, clearly labelled jar. Store in a cool place for later use. Dilute one tablespoon of the concentrate into one litre of water before spraying. Oil based liquids can be used to suffocate mites, scale and other soft bodied insects. Avoid using on plants with hairy leaves and during very hot weather. To use as spray for blackspot on roses add one tablespoon of homemade oil spray to one tablespoon of bicarbonate soda and mix in 4.5 litres of water. Spray weekly.
Contributed by Marilyn, Tamworth, 17th October 2007

Make Your Own Oil Based Spray

It's easy to make your own oil based spray at home and it's totally safe. All you need is a little vegetable oil and liquid soap.

Here's how its done:
1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid. Blend it up until its well mixed. This is your concentrate and can be stored in a jar.
2. To prepare the concentrate for use, dilute 1 tablespoon in a litre of water, mix it well and spray the pest as well as both sides of the foliage thoroughly.
3. Always follow this dilution rate, because you can burn the foliage if its too strong and there are a few other rules; don't apply it in hot weather and avoid using it on plants with hairy foliage as well as ferns, palms and cycads as this can also cause leaf burn.
4. Regular applications of this easy to make oil based spray will help protect your plants from many common pests found in the garden.

I found this article on the ABC website. http://www.abc.net.au/riverina/stories/s970811.htm - Contributed by Alicia, Mansfield, 17th October 2007

Commercial Product Works Well

Buy a bottle of white oil and mix with water as directed also get a spray bottle $1.20 and spray on plants this white oil will last for many years.
Contributed by Sandra, Young, 17th October 2007

Home Made White Oil Recipe

I have used this recipe and it's always worked well. I hope this helps you! It's easy to make your own oil based spray at home and it's totally safe. All you need is a little vegetable oil and liquid soap.

Oil based sprays are very useful in controlling a wide range of insect pests in the garden. Pests like scale, aphids, smooth skinned caterpillars, mites and even young grasshoppers suffocate when their bodies are covered with oil. You can even use oil sprays to deter the citrus leaf miner.

Here's how its done:
1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid. Blend it up until its well mixed. This is your concentrate and can be stored in a jar. Be sure to label it and include the dilution rate on the label.
2. To prepare the concentrate for use, dilute 1 tablespoon in a litre of water, mix it well and spray the pest as well as both sides of the foliage thoroughly.
3. Always follow this dilution rate, because you can burn the foliage if its too strong and there are a few other rules; don't apply it in hot weather and avoid using it on plants with hairy foliage as well as ferns, palms and cycads as this can also cause leaf burn.

4. Regular applications of this easy to make oil based spray will help protect your plants from many common pests found in the garden. Why don't you try it yourself?
Contributed by Eva, St. Marys, 17th October 2007

Making White Oil

Combine 1 cup of vegetable oil with ¼ cup of dishwashing liquid in a blender – Home brand is fine it works just the same. Store it in a labelled jar. (Be sure to include the dilution rate on the label.)

Dilute 1 tablespoon in a litre of water, mix it well and spray the pest as well as both sides of the foliage thoroughly.

Always make sure you dilute it properly, not only to save money but because you can burn the plants if it's too strong. Don't apply it in hot weather and avoid using it if it's expected to rain soon (i.e. before it's had a chance to dry properly).
Contributed by Kathy Isaacs, 18th October 2007

A Soapy Trap Deters Fruit Fly

Make traps by placing small plates with some water and dishwashing detergent around the base of your trees and the edges of your garden beds. I use the lids off jam jars, etc. Empty them and fill again each week, but don't let them dry out between refills. You'll be amazed at how many you catch this way.
Contributed by Janice, South West Rocks

Pick It Up To Control Pests

Don't leave any fruit on the ground to rot. Pick it up and put it in a black plastic bag and tie it shut with a sturdy knot. This will kill any larvae and stop the breeding process. Don't put the fruit straight into the bin or the compost either.
Contributed by Glenda, Shepparton

The Trappings in the Garden

You can make a simple Fruit Fly trap from a plastic jar or bottle. I use peanut butter jars and make small holes in the lid. Make up a mixture of ½ teaspoon Vegemite and 1 tablespoon cloudy ammonia mixed with about 2cm water in the bottom of the jar. Hang these traps in your trees. Empty and wash them out each week and then refill. I believe you can also use beer in the traps.
Contributed by Graham, Castle Hill

Painting the Weeds Away

If you have trouble getting rid of weeds or grass in areas it shouldn't be growing, use plain white vinegar and spray or paint it on the grass/weeds. It will kill them off very quickly (even quicker on a hot sunny day) and cheaply. Just be careful not to get it on the grass you want to keep, as it will kill it too, we used a paintbrush to apply it carefully. It really works, saves so much money on those expensive weed killers, and its safe for the pets, kids etc too.
Contributed by Renee, Underdale, 26th January, 2007

Cheap and Effective Rose Spray

A cheap and very effective spray for your roses is 2 heaped tablespoons of bicarb soda, one teaspoon cooking oil, one tablespoon vinegar. Put all in a spray bottle and fill with water. Great for black spot and aphids.
Contributed by Jean, Campbelltown, April 30th 2005

Getting rid of Lawn Grubs


Lawn grubs can kill off your lawn by eating the roots of the grass. Instead of buying expensive chemicals to rid your lawn of lawn grubs, buy a cheap bottle of biodegradable washing up detergent (about $2 a litre), and squirt some into a wheelbarrow. Fill up with cold water to make a good foam, and tip it onto the areas of lawn where the grub holes are obvious. The grubs come to the surface and die, and are picked up by the birds.
Contributed by Tim, Granton, November 9th 2006

Save on Garden Sprays

I make up a garden spray that stops most insect in their tracks. I chop up a dozen really hot red chillies and simmer them in 2 litres of water. I strain the liquid and I add a cup of dishwashing liquid and put it in a spray bottle for use on all my leafy vegies and plants. Snails, slugs and caterpillars hate it! Just remember to spray again after rain and wash your vegies well after picking. For aphid on plants, make a very watery batter using plain flour and half a cup of sugar and enough water so it s consistency can be used in a spray bottle. It coats the aphids and birds love to eat them as a crunchy snack. Totally organic and beats paying $7 to 12 a bottle for sprays!
Contributed by Glenday, Dooandella, October 18th 2006

Aphid Spray


A good cheap remedy to instantly kill aphids on your roses is to mix up a spray bottle of one third milk (full cream or skim, what ever you have on hand) and two thirds water. Spray this mix directly onto your roses and repeat if necessary. 
Contributed by Joanne, Sunbury, October 24th 2006

Unwanted Pests in Garden

A great snail and slug deterrent is crushed eggshells around the base of the plant. I was an avid snail bait layer, until we had our two daughters, I am now very wary of poisons, not to mention I now try to save money wherever possible this is a great FREE alternative to store bought snail bait. I have only been using it for the last two weeks but have had such great success with it i had to share it with you all. Whenever I have cooked eggs i keep the crushed shells and place them at the base of bok choy, lettuces or what ever the snails have been chewing on. The snails and slugs seem to have a hard time climbing over the shells, so they have gone off else where, my garden is looking great.
Contributed by Andrea, Old Noarlunga, October 27th, 2005

Blooming Beautiful Spray

A cheap and very effective spray for your roses, 2-heaped tablespoons of bicarbonate soda, one-teaspoon cooking oil, one tablespoon vinegar put all in a spray bottle fill with water. This is great for black spot and aphids.
Contributed by Jean, Campbelltown, April 30th, 2005

Problem With Slaters

Message for Tim regarding his problem with slaters in his garden. A less toxic insecticide is pyrethrum-a natural insecticide derived from the daisy. If he still wishes not to use any insecticide, may I suggest he surrounds his seedlings with either a milk carton or small plastic drink bottle that has had both the top and bottom removed to form a barrier between the slaters and his seedlings until they are a little more advanced. This will also act as a wind barrier and frost protector during colder winter months. I hope this helps you. Regards from another Bunnings gardener who likes to give her customer' more than one choice.
Contributed by Cathy, June 16, 2004

Sawdust

Snails will not damage seedlings if sawdust is sprinkled around the plants. Snails will not crawl over it because it sticks to them, and the sawdust is harmless to pets and small children.
Contributed by Anne, June 9th, 2004

Natural Fly Repellent

Plant lavender in pots and collect the flowers to use in sachets. Keep them in your drawers and linen cupboards, in boxes of stored clothing, blankets etc to keep them smelling sweet and fresh. Lavender sachets are expensive to buy, but you can have fresh ones every year if you grow your own.

Recycling Egg Shells

Even things, which would seem to have no use can be recycled. You can use eggshells in several different ways. You can put them in a container with some water for several days, and then use the water to fertilize indoor plants. You can then take the eggs shells and sprinkle them outside around flowers to keep pests away. Or you can use them to start seedlings. Just fill them with potting soil, and add your seed/seeds. When the plants start, keep them in the shell and move them to a larger pot or outdoors.

Roses

Roses love crushed egg shells. They help keep snails out of the garden.

Pest Free

Protect flowers and vegetables from slugs, snails and grubs by scattering lettuce leaves or citrus rinds around them. The pests will attach themselves to the food, which you remove daily and replace.