Most insect-killing pesticides contain toxic chemicals that end up in the food you eat, causing cancer and disorders of the nervous and reproductive systems. Luckily, you don’t have to use them to keep your garden free from pests. Realmama.org offers a long list of alternatives, including:
Pest-Repelling Plants: The following plants will repel insects in your garden:
borage, dill, garlic, onion, fennel, sage, thyme, parsley, nasturtium and French marigolds.
Peppermint Tea: This is an all purpose insect spray, and is also useful for repelling ants. Brew peppermint leaf tea. Cool and place in a properly labeled spray bottle.
Garlic Spray: This spray will repel insects. Mix: 1 quart of water, 2 teaspoons of garlic juice, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Put solution in a properly labeled spray bottle.
Minced Garlic: Minced garlic placed around tulip bulbs will discourage squirrels from eating the bulbs.
Tomato Leaf Spray: This repels insects in the vegetable garden. Mix 2 cups of tomato leaves with 1 quart of water. Bring to a boil, cool, strain and add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.* Put solution in a properly labeled spray bottle.