Many summer gardens are a sight to behold, with vibrant flowers and crops nearing harvest. However, this idyllic scene can be quickly ruined by the unwelcome arrival of slugs, snails, and other pests. These voracious creatures can devour your prized plants, leaving behind a trail of chewed-through leaves and wilted blooms. But fear not, gardening expert and Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle has shared two simple homemade remedies that can banish these slimy nuisances from your garden for good.
Birtwhistle emphasizes the importance of early intervention, stating that even the most attentive gardener can miss these pesky pests. Left unchecked, they can quickly decimate your favorite roses, shrubs, and vegetables. Over the past two years, she has diligently researched and tested various natural bug treatments, ultimately discovering two recipes that consistently deliver results.
Rhubarb Leaf Repellent:
This natural repellent utilizes the power of rhubarb leaves, which contain oxalic acid, a substance toxic to slugs, aphids, caterpillars, mites, and flies. To create this effective spray, you will need 500g of rhubarb leaves (not the stalks), one liter of cold water, 20 drops of clove bud oil, and one or two drops of eco-friendly washing-up liquid.
Cut the rhubarb leaves into smaller pieces with scissors and simmer them in the cold water for 30 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before straining it into a large spray bottle. Add the washing-up liquid and clove bud oil, shake well, and spray liberally around your flowers. While effective, it’s important to note that oxalic acid is a poison, so this repellent should not be used on edible crops or around pets.
Nettle Homemade Repellant:
For your vegetable and fruit crops, Birtwhistle recommends a nettle-based spray. This recipe requires 60g of nettles, 600ml of cold water, six drops of clove bud spray, and one or two drops of eco-friendly washing-up liquid. Be sure to wear gardening gloves when handling nettles.
Cut the nettles into two- to three-inch pieces and place them in a large pan or bowl with a lid. Pour the cold water over the nettles, ensuring they are completely submerged. Seal the container and leave it outside in your garden for at least a week, but two weeks is ideal. Once the allotted time has passed, stir the mixture and strain it. While this nettle repellent is highly effective due to its pungent odor, it is advisable to wear gloves and an apron to avoid contact with the liquid, which can stain clothing. Transfer the strained liquid to a spray bottle, add the washing-up liquid and clove bud oil, shake well, and spray generously around your vegetables and fruits. Birtwhistle advises waiting two days after spraying before harvesting vegetables and thoroughly washing them before consumption.
Important Notes:
Both homemade repellants should be applied in the evening, after the sun has set and when the weather is still and dry. This minimizes the risk of harming pollinating insects like bees, wasps, butterflies, and ladybirds, which are active during the day. By following these simple and natural methods, you can protect your garden from pesky pests and enjoy a bountiful harvest, thanks to the gardening expertise of Nancy Birtwhistle.
