COMBINED INSECT AND DISEASE CONTROL

Neem Oil Spray to Control Insects and Disease Neem oil is highly effective against many types of insects and plant diseases. It is non-toxic to birds, mammals, honeybees and ladybugs. It is toxic, however, to fish, so do not use around ponds, streams or other waterways, and keep from going down storm drains. Neem oil can be purchased at most garden supply stores, health food stores and on line. Several lines of commercial sprays are now available, also, so read the labels of sprays available in stores.

• 1 teaspoon neem oil
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dishwashing soap

Combine oil, soap and water in a hand sprayer and mix gently. Spray tops and bottoms of leaves thoroughly every 5-10 days until pests are gone. Note: this spray will not cure a fungus on already effected leaves but will keep it from spreading. Remove badly diseased leaves and dispose of in your garbage. Wash hands thoroughly and be sure to clean your pruners or scissors in alcohol or bleach to help kill any virus or spores.

 DISEASE CONTROLS Baking Soda Spray for Blight, Leaf Spot and Mildew A spray made from baking soda is a great all-around disease spray. It is good for treating anthracnose, tomato blight, leaf blight, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.

• 1 Tablespoon baking soda
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 gallon water
• 1 teaspoon plain dishwashing soap (such as Ivory or Dawn)

Mix thoroughly. Pour into your sprayer and spray top and bottom of leaves thoroughly, as well as the surrounding soil. Mix or shake often while spraying to keep all ingredients thoroughly mixed. Repeat every 5-7 days as needed.

Milk Spray for Mildew Milk contains enzymes and sugars which makes the surfaces of leaves less susceptible to mildew. This spray works well on squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, asters and zinnias. Mix equal parts milk and water and place in your sprayer. Spray tops and bottoms of leaves every 3-4 days at first sign of disease or weekly as a preventative.

How to use:

• Spray infected plants thoroughly. Repeat as needed, shake before each use.
• Always use all sprays early in morning not in the sun.
• Dilute 50/50 for cucumbers and squash.
• Spray plant, leaves top & bottom thoroughly. Store for up to 1 week.

For more homemade natural remedies try the links below:
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/homemade-organic-gardening-sprays.htm