Christie Brinkley's Unconventional Garden Boosting Method, Stemming from Her Dahlias, Involves a Pantry Staple; Exploring Its Non-Toxic Advantage.
In the quest for a greener and safer garden, household spices are proving to be unexpected yet effective allies in the fight against pests. Here are some proven methods using common kitchen ingredients that can help keep your garden thriving.
**Garlic: A Potent Pest Repellent**
Crush 3-4 fresh garlic cloves and steep them in 2 cups of boiling water for 24 hours. Strain the mixture and add it to a gallon of water with a few drops of dish soap. This concoction can be refrigerated for up to a week. Spray the solution on plants during early morning or late evening to avoid sunburn, and reapply every 3-5 days or after rain. Garlic works well against soft-bodied insects like aphids.
**Onion: A Companion to Garlic**
Blend 2-3 cloves of garlic and 1 small onion, strain the juice with a cloth, and mix with 100 ml of water. Let it sit overnight and spray on plants. Regular use of this mixture can deter common garden pests.
**Chili Pepper and Black Pepper**
For chili pepper spray, blend a small cup of fresh chilies or use 1 tablespoon of chili powder with 100-1000 ml water (depending on the recipe), boil (for fresh), let sit, and add liquid soap. For black pepper, mix 1 tablespoon ground black pepper with 1 quart (about 1 liter) of water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray these mixtures directly on plants, especially on affected areas. Reapply after rain or every few days. Remember to wear gloves and avoid eye contact when handling peppers.
**Turmeric: A Natural Antifungal**
Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with a gallon (about 4 liters) of water and spray on plants or sprinkle directly on soil. This solution is effective against fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot.
**Cinnamon: A Barrier Against Pests**
Sprinkle ground cinnamon around the base of plants or over the soil. Cinnamon forms a barrier that repels ants, fungus gnats, and other crawling pests.
**Herbs for Pest Control**
Grow herbs like basil, sage, peppermint, lemon balm, thyme, and lemongrass in or around your garden. Their natural fragrances keep pests away. Interplant them with vegetables or use them as companion plants.
**Salt and Other Household Items**
Mix salt with water and spray on plants to help deter pests and provide nutrients like magnesium and sulfur. However, avoid excessive use to prevent soil toxicity.
These methods offer a safe and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, making them a popular choice for gardeners seeking a more sustainable approach. Christie Brinkley's garden, for example, is organic and does not use any chemicals. She shares tips for creating a non-toxic garden on her Instagram.
Opting for natural solutions to common pest problems is not only a great way to avoid toxins but also a cost-effective choice. With these simple and effective methods, maintaining a thriving, chemical-free garden has never been easier.
Incorporating household ingredients such as garlic, onion, and chili pepper into gardening practices can provide a natural means of pest control, making for a more sustainable lifestyle in home-and-garden maintenance. Additionally, adopting an approach that emphasizes eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, as exemplified by Christie Brinkley's organic garden, can offer cost savings while promoting a safer environment.
