It is important to consistently maintain and care for your pepper plants throughout their cultivation. But even with regular maintenance, they can still fall victim to numerous problems, ranging from fungi and diseases to pests. So keep a close eye on your pepper plants so you can notice any changes in their appearance or suspicious activities. But what should you do if your plants become infected or infested? Of course, you can go to your local garden center and buy some pesticides. But unfortunately, it is the rule rather than the exception that these consist of quite aggressive substances. This can sometimes even cause the opposite effect, and possibly do more harm than good. Therefore, read on quickly and find out how you can make your own natural pesticides to protect your pepper plants!
Are natural pesticides better than synthetic ones?
This is where opinions vary quite a bit. So it is a polarizing topic, but we will make an attempt to come up with the best possible answer. Typically, synthetic chemical pesticides are composed of a lot of chlorine, sulfur, nitrogen and numerous other chemicals. While small amounts are not necessarily harmful to your plants, overuse can be. Leaves can then wilt and turn an unhealthy, burnt color. In addition, your eventual peppers may also suffer. Pesticide residues on peppers can even affect the flavor. In addition, synthetic pesticides have a devastating effect on the environment, especially on a larger scale. Instead of harsh chemicals, however, you can make your own pesticides using natural ingredients. These natural varieties not only offer the same level of care and prevention, but also do so in such a way that your peppers are not affected. Ultimately, the choice between synthetic and natural pesticides comes down to your personal preference and type of growing project. There are countless ways to grow chili peppers, so do what you feel most comfortable with.
Plus points of natural pesticides
We’ve already discussed some of the benefits of using natural pesticides, but let’s go into a little more detail here.
✅Healthier for your plants
Not using harsh chemicals prevents unnecessary damage to your plants. Natural insect repellents contain ingredients that actually work with your pepper plants.
✅Work just as well as synthetic pesticides
It may seem logical to think that the more aggressive the chemicals, the more successful the pesticide. But nothing could be further from the truth. Even with all-natural ingredients, you can make excellent pesticides that can prevent various problems.
✅A holistic garden experience
Instead of buying them at the garden center, making your own pesticides enhances your expertise as a grower. You’ll learn more about the needs of your plants and will recognize risky signs more quickly.
Recipes for natural pesticides for chili plants
If you want to make a natural insecticide or pesticide at home, you’ll find exactly what you need below. Although each recipe requires different ingredients, you probably already have most of them in your kitchen cupboard. And missing ingredients are relatively easy to obtain!
Neem oil spray
Neem oil is known (or infamous) for deterring and eliminating more than two hundred species of insects. This makes it an ideal and versatile natural repellent, and easy to make. Although you can buy it as a ready-made pesticide, you can also easily make it yourself:
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons high-quality, cold-pressed neem oil
- 80ml dishwashing liquid (biodegradable)
- 900ml hot water
Material
- Spray bottle
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Steps
Thanks to the small amount of ingredients, all you have to do is pour the hot water into a spray bottle and add the detergent. Now add the neem oil, twist the spray bottle shut and shake the concoction thoroughly. That’s it. It’s that simple.
Garlic Spray
Powerful and aromatic ingredients, such as garlic and onion, also work perfectly to repel and kill all kinds of pests from the garden. It can even keep larger animals, such as rats and mice, away from your plants. Garlic spray is thus an excellent natural solution to keep your pepper plants in top condition.
Ingredients
- ½ bulb of garlic
- ½ onion
- 1 chilli
- 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid (biodegradable)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Hot sauce (optional)
Material
- Spray bottle
- Glass, sealable jar
- Food processor or blender
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Steps
This is a relatively simple recipe. However, you will need a food processor or blender. Put the peeled garlic, onion, pepper and hot sauce in the blender. Then blend all the ingredients into a fine paste. Then put this paste in the glass jar filled with hot water. Let it stand at room temperature for a few days (at least 24 hours). Next, strain the concoction through a fine sieve into a spray bottle until it is about half full. Finally, add the olive oil and soap, shake everything together, and voila: your garlic spray is ready to use!
Essential oil spray
Using this oil really depends on exactly what you want to use it for. By “essential oil” we really mean anything from peppermint to rosemary and even lavender. You can even try different combinations for different pests.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dish soap (biodegradable)
- 80 drops of your favorite essential oils
- 220ml water
Material
- Spray bottle
Steps
Simply put all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before using. A child can do the laundry! Do your homework and check which essential oils you should choose for which situation. Each oil has different properties and is suitable for different types of insects or pests. So fight the right pests with the right oil, whether it’s spider mites or fungal infections.
How do you use natural pesticides on pepper plants?
Now that you’ve made your natural pesticide, how exactly should you apply it? With a handy spray bottle, this is pretty simple. But another important factor is timing. Whatever natural pesticide you’ve made, make sure the leaves of your plants are dry. Outdoors, you should apply the solution in the evening, because many insect pests go looking for food at night. Suppose you have to deal with a spider mite problem. You can combat this by spraying some neem oil generously over the leaves. But avoid contact with the peppers themselves. Make sure you also spray the underside of the leaves, because insects often congregate here and lay eggs. During heavy rains, reapply your pesticide every few days.
Get rid of plant pests the natural way
Of course, there are other natural ways to eradicate or prevent pests. Consider crop rotation or using top-quality potting soil and/or diatomaceous earth. Planting combination plants, such as herbs, can also distract or completely repel an infestation. In addition, you can even use other, beneficial insects to eradicate the pests that are causing damage. These natural predators love problematic insects! Don’t forget about reliable adhesive strips, either. These can also help prevent infestations and give you an idea of what’s lurking. If by chance you see a few bugs on your plant, you can always remove them by hand as well. However, do not use sticky strips outdoors. They will also kill useful insects that you want to attract for pollination. Combine the above methods and create your own efficient anti-pest system. Buddy Mix Pack SCARE (16) View
Keep control of your pepper plants
Giving your hot pepper plants enough care and attention is essential not only for the health and viability of their peppers, but also in the fight against pests, pathogens and diseases. So make sure you keep an eye on your plants, and you should be just fine. By preventing pests, you avoid using harsh pesticides, whether natural or synthetic. This is ultimately best for the environment and your plants. However, if you do suffer from a pest, you now know everything you need to know to fight it effectively. Nothing can stand in the way of a top harvest then!
