Chillies and Garlic, what a wonderful thing!

Slug and cabbage moth repellent! That's right a strong and potent natural pesticide that lasts up to 3-4 months in jar requires mixing one part to three parts water and spraying every couple of weeks or more if wet weather. It will deter almost all insects, so be prepared for this if you want to keep your bees happy.  I have noticed also that my brew is becoming stronger as it ages.



So here is the recipe:
1 Tbsp of soap flakes (instead of soap flakes you can use a grey water safe detergent, degreaser free.)
8-10 hot chillies (I used small dried hot Congo ones.)
4-6 cloves of Garlic (crushed is more effective than chopped)
Roughly a litre of boiling water.

Combine all ingredient in a glass jar or heat proof container, let stand for 24 hours and then carefully drain into the jar you will dedicate to keeping the concoction in.  Make sure the jar is airtight and stored out of direct sunlight.  Avoid rubbing eyes while making and using product or spraying on pets, skin or anywhere near precious items or objects, especially on a breezy day with your fresh white linens hanging on the line.

I have found this brew to be very effective in deterring cabbage moth and caterpillars, noticing the difference almost immediately.  This spray is very effective especially heading into Autumn where you will notice an increase in white cabbage moth, as your brassica plants start to mature. Good luck.

© Tasmaniasfeast 2013.

This is Common Sense!

This book came my way via an acquaintance whom owns and runs a successful organic blueberry farm down south.  The way to a healthy and sound garden is through composting and respect for the soil, as all good organic gardeners know.  It doesn't have to be a tiresome task, and in reading these wise words you will be inspired to pursue the little effort required in creating an optimal organic garden.  I found the book a pleasure to read, and luckily it is online for all those who prefer internet researching.

Home grown tomatoes, achieved with good home made compost

Here it is:
http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/QR/QRToC.html  

© Tasmaniasfeast 2013.

Don't Waste Those Egg Shells!

For those gardening egg lovers out there with slug problems, here's a good way to use up those egg shells.  I'm sure many of you already know, but spare a few egg shells from your compost, crush them up into small pieces and sprinkle around your leafy greens.  The annoying sharp pieces deter slugs as they try to make their way to your crops.  Eggs shells break down relatively quickly so you will need to replace them regularly.  It has seemed to work well for me, but other old tricks such as beer traps are also a good match.  Try combining the two if your slug situation is frightening.  



© Tasmaniasfeast 2013.