Garlic alcohol, also known as garlic extract or garlic oil, is a potent natural insecticide and fungicide that can help protect your plants from pests and diseases. Here’s how you can prepare and use it:
Ingredients:
- Fresh garlic cloves
- High-proof alcohol (such as ethanol or rubbing alcohol)
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Strainer or cheesecloth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic: Start by peeling and finely chopping or crushing fresh garlic cloves. The amount of garlic you use will depend on the quantity of garlic alcohol you wish to prepare. A common ratio is about 1 part garlic to 10 parts alcohol.
- Combine with Alcohol: Place the chopped garlic in a glass jar or container and cover it with the high-proof alcohol. Make sure the garlic is fully submerged in the alcohol. The alcohol helps extract the active compounds from the garlic.
- Infuse: Seal the jar tightly and let it sit for at least 24 hours, but preferably up to a week, in a cool, dark place. During this time, the garlic’s natural compounds will infuse into the alcohol, creating a potent extract.
- Strain: After the infusion period, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solid garlic particles. Squeeze the garlic pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Dilute with Water (optional): Depending on the concentration of the garlic extract and the sensitivity of your plants, you may choose to dilute the garlic alcohol with water. A common dilution ratio is 1 part garlic alcohol to 10 parts water.
- Transfer to Spray Bottle: Pour the strained garlic alcohol solution into a spray bottle for easy application. Make sure to label the bottle clearly to indicate its contents.
- Apply to Plants: Spray the garlic alcohol solution onto the foliage of your plants, covering both the tops and bottoms of leaves. This will help repel insects and prevent fungal diseases. Be sure to coat the plants thoroughly but avoid saturating them.
- Repeat as Needed: Repeat the application every 1-2 weeks, or as needed, especially after rainfall or heavy watering. Consistent application is key to maintaining protection against pests and diseases.
Garlic alcohol works by releasing sulfur compounds and other aromatic compounds that repel insects and inhibit fungal growth. It’s effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blight. However, it’s always a good idea to test the solution on a small portion of your plants first to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions. Additionally, avoid spraying during hot, sunny weather, as this can cause the mixture to burn the foliage. Overall, garlic alcohol can be a powerful and natural solution for protecting your plants from pests and diseases.
