Seeds of Change Garden

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Spring Activities:
Non-toxic Garden Spray

Making natural pesticides is a safe and economical alternative to using hazardous products. These simple recipes will get rid of garden pests without endangering the environment or your health.

To prevent damping off mold in seedlings:
1. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over a handful of fresh chamomile flowers or 2 tablespoons of dried ones. Cover for 10 minutes, strain, cool, and spray onto plants.

For aphids:
1. Cut up 8 ounces of rhubarb or basil leaves. Simmer them in 4 cups of water for 1/2 hour. Stir the mixture well. Strain and cool the water. Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent into 2 1/2 cups of cold water. Combine the two mixtures together. Spray on plants that are bothered by aphids.

2. Mix two crushed garlic cloves for each 2 1/2 cups of water.

To remove scale insects:
To one gallon of water, add 1 1/4 cups rubbing alcohol and two tablespoons of dishwashing detergent.

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