Home Remedies for Garden Plants

Gardens are subject to a variety of insect and disease problems. Fortunately, disease and pest problems such as aphids, mealy bugs, mildew, scale and fungus can be treated with homemade insecticide sprays. Use home remedies for insect and disease problems if you want to avoid chemical pesticides in your environment. Many people are sensitive to the ingredients in chemical pesticides. Organic gardening uses natural remedies for common garden plant problems.

Garlic Spray

Garlic is an all-purpose bug spray for common garden plant problems. Its strong odor keeps many insects away and it kills ones that are already on the plants. To make the spray, put a whole head of garlic in the blender, add 3 cups of water, 2 tbsp. of canola oil, four hot peppers and a whole lemon. Blend this mixture, steep it overnight and store in the refrigerator. Use 4 tbsp. per gallon of water for a spray. This spray kills aphids and stops mildew and leaf spot.

Apple Cider Vinegar Fungicide

This simple mixture will heal leaf spot, mildew and scab problems on garden plants. Add 3 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Spray on roses and other plants that show signs of mildew or scab under the leaves. Use the spray in the morning or early evening

Beneficial Insects

Ladybugs, preying mantis and lacewings are known as "beneficials," and they are an effective home remedy. They eat the insects that chew and destroy garden plants. Ladybugs and preying mantis can be purchased at most garden centers or by mail order. You can also attract these beneficial insects to your garden by using a sugar-water spray on the plants.

Hydrogen Peroxide Spray

Hydrogen peroxide is a good general preventative home remedy for plant problems such as aphids, mildew, and fungus. Hydrogen peroxide on plants prevents the disease spores form adhering to the leaves and flowers. Spray plants with an undiluted solution of common household hydrogen peroxide as a preventative.

Companion Planting

Companion planting uses nature as a home remedy for garden plant problems. Nature provides good solutions for many insect pest problems. Some plants emit odors that cause insects to stay away. This is called companion planting. The science of companion planting has developed as organic gardening practices have become more popular. Some of the best strong-smelling companion plants that deter common insect pests are coriander, dill, garlic, onions and radishes. Marigolds are often planted in vegetable gardens to keep harmful insects away.