38

I have a vegetable garden that bugs just love. Since my family is going to eat these vegetables (and I'd prefer that the bugs do not), what organic pesticide is most effective? The main culprits are aphids and cabbage loopers (or inch worms) though any pesticide that targets critters that eat leafy vegetables would be helpful.

Improve this question

10 Answers 10

Reset to default
18

I'm having good results with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), but I don't think aphids are listed on the label as being controlled by it. The main problem I'm solving with Bt is cabbage loopers.

Wikipedia says:

Cry toxins have specific activities against insect species of the orders Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Diptera (flies and mosquitoes), Coleoptera (beetles), hymenoptera (wasps, bees, ants and sawflies) and nematodes.

Aphids are order Hemiptera, so it doesn't look like Bt will work on them. I have heard of using tomato leaf or garlic oil spray to control aphids, but haven't had to try either. See this page for recipes, or google around.

Improve this answer
18

I have found that a soap solution works really well - and it is safe! If used promptly, it is also effective in ridding broad beans of blackfly.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Are you suggesting any particular brand of soap, or a specific insecticidal soap?
    – Graham Chiu
    Commented Mar 25, 2016 at 20:05
16

I've used neem tree oil mixed with organic dish soap on edible container grown fruits and veggies and have always had good luck. Neem oil is edible but you'd probably want to wash your fruits/vegetables before eating because the oil is quite bitter.

Improve this answer
10

I use pyretheum. Is it organic enough for your needs? Depends. Back in the UK "pyretheum" is the 'natural' variant made from chrysanthenums (and the one I used to go for); and "pyrethins" are the synthetic equivalent. But here in the US there does not appear to be any distinction and everything is labeled "pyrethin" plus various claims to being a natural pesticide.

Pyretheums are particularly good for delicate plants (I've used them on carnivorous plants - don't laugh!, but hear they're also good for orchids) and veg/fruit. Even though they break down quickly, you would still wash the fruit of course.

My wife (an ecology Univ.Prof.) usually swears by soap solution for aphids, although I haven't seen her use it.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    I think you mean pyrethrum, not pyretheum. Also, pyrethrin is the natural compound extracted from the Chrysanthemum flower, whereas pyrethroids are the synthetic compound.
    – Jonathan
    Commented Jul 13, 2011 at 7:29
7

My housemate suggests using black tea (cooled!) and spraying it on the leaves that have aphids on.

I cannot find a cite for this! However, I did find an Aphid repellent tea which looks interesting.

Also, there's some interesting information on companion plants that will help against aphids, here.

Improve this answer
7

While not the pesticide you asked for, you might consider a pest management plan that entices ladybugs to settle in and combat your aphids. Even "organic" pesticides can be high profile pesticides and kill many beneficial organisms.

Improve this answer
7

I use neem seed oil effectively. From the wikipedia article (emphasis not in original):

Formulations made of neem oil also find wide usage as a bio-pesticide for organic farming, as it repels a wide variety of pests including the mealy bug, beet armyworm, aphids, the cabbage worm, thrips, whiteflies, mites, fungus gnats, beetles, moth larvae, mushroom flies, leafminers, caterpillars, locust, nematodes and the Japanese beetle. Neem oil is not known to be harmful to mammals, birds, earthworms or some beneficial insects such as butterflies, honeybees and ladybugs if it is not concentrated directly into their area of habitat or on their food source.

Improve this answer
5

In Indonesia we use the product "Samro biocide", which is a multipurpose, organic pesticide for nematodes, fungi, bacteria and insects, with special funcion as growth recovery. This product is basically made from a herb extract and is modified from herbal medicine with growth recovery, because it contains antibacterial and antimicrobial substances including antibiotics and immunomodulators. The materials are more than 20 original secret Java herbs extracts (from nimbi, java turmeric, small gooseberry, ginger, black turmeric, bitter grape etc.) obtained by taking liquid secondary metabolites of certain parts.

Improve this answer
0
0

You can also plant garlic/onion in your pots or in proximity of your plants in case of garden and see aphids disappear in some time...this has worked for me for over a year now, I plant garlic with every flowering plant and aphids have kept away....washing your plant regularly in jet stream also helps them keep away.

Improve this answer
0

If you are into biological control look at some parasitic wasps, or if you can access, we use an "organic" chemical named Endeavor. It works phenomenally against aphids! Usually with one app, but you can double app after 3 days if needed.

Improve this answer
1
  • This is not an organic control, it is a pesticide like any other. It has a low toxicity but should be applied to minimize skin contract as it can be an irritant. In Ontario where I live this is unlikely to be available to homeowners, only licensed applicators. www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/…
    – kevinskio ♦
    Commented Aug 9, 2019 at 14:17

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.