Essential Oils for the Garden
7:24 PM Posted by jo
It might seem to early to talk about gardening when some parts of this country still have snow on the ground. We purchased plants and planted seeds last weekend here in Texas. (We have moved from Texas and we now live in California) My kids were very excited when they noticed that their seeds started to grow already. I don't want to use any chemicals in my garden since they are harmful to our health. Luckily there are safer alternatives to use.
Natural pest deterrents
Essential oils in the plants act as natural pest deterrents and they prevent pests carrying disease that would destroy the plant. Their anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties make them very useful as preventative medicine for the plants. Their jobs is to protect the plant from fungi or bacteria, and to make the plants strong and healthy so they resist disease.
According to Wormwood essential oils also affect they yield by increasing the fragrance or flavor of the fruit, flowers, or vegetables. For example, basil planted around the tomato plant will enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. It also work to add basil essential oils to the water when watering. Roses love garlic, basil and thyme as their companion plants. You can also add the essential oils to the water instead of planting garlic, thyme and basil plants around the roses. Thyme and lavender are marvelous at protecting the vegetables in the patch.
Sprays
Use as insect deterrents to banish mildew and fungi and to encourage growth. Add 4-8 drops of essential oils to one gallon of water. Use to spray onto flowers, vegetables and fruit.
Cotton wool
Use cotton-wool balls to deter insects or burrowing animals such as moles. Add 3 drops on a cotton-wool ball and place it in the burrow or the nest.
Cartons/tubs
Bury old plastic food tubs so its top is level with the ground to keep snails, slugs, mice, cats, dogs and all ground moving insects away. Add 4 drops of essential oils and refill as needed. Use strong oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint or thyme.
Garden tea
The material should be picked early in the morning before the sun starts and before the flowers bloom, so the essential oils don't evaporate from the plants. Herb/flower teas are made with one cup of dried or fresh flowers to two cup of boiling water. Leave for at least four hours straight. Use two tablespoons of the tea diluted in one gallon of water. Add to a spray bottle or watering can. Leave the tea over night for a more concentrated blend.
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The material should be picked early in the morning before the sun starts and before the flowers bloom, so the essential oils don't evaporate from the plants. Herb/flower teas are made with one cup of dried or fresh flowers to two cup of boiling water. Leave for at least four hours straight. Use two tablespoons of the tea diluted in one gallon of water. Add to a spray bottle or watering can. Leave the tea over night for a more concentrated blend.
Vinegar uses for the garden
Summer, Sun and Insect Spray
Make an easy antiseptic vinegar
How I would deal with a scorpion sting
Herbs and essential oils that I keep in my first aid kit
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