I’m a gardening CEO – my 2-ingredient natural herbicide is dirt cheap, the components are already in your kitchen
A GARDENING expert has shared a recipe for a homemade, all-natural pesticide.
Best of all, the money-saving DIY uses two ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Kimberly Crawford, CEO of the blog FarmFoodFamily, shared the gardening tips with The U.S. Sun.
She revealed that instead of expensive herbicides, she uses a vinegar and water blend as a natural weed killer.
Crawford adopted a similar approach to pest control, preferring natural remedies over chemicals.
“For pests, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can keep the harmful ones at bay,” she said.
“Also, planting marigolds around your garden can deter many pests.”
The expert added that gardeners who are just getting started growing their own food should start small to avoid getting overwhelmed.
“Choose easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce,” she advised.
Before burying seeds in the ground, she recommends ensuring success by creating the correct environment for growth.
“Make sure your soil is rich in organic matter, and don’t forget to water regularly,” she said.
“Consistency is key. Also, keep an eye on the sunlight – most veggies need at least 6 hours of sun each day.”
She said the common mistake she sees is that novices often overestimate how much water their plants need.
“Overwatering is a big one. Many beginners drown their plants with too much water,” she said.
“Also, planting too close together can cause problems. Give your plants enough space to grow and breathe.
“Lastly, watch out for pests early – catching them before they spread can save your garden.”
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
Crawford encouraged starters to get a head start on their compost bins for easy plant nourishment later on.
“I swear by composting. It’s the best way to enrich your soil naturally,” she said.
“Mulching is another must-do; it helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. I also use organic fertilizers to keep my plants healthy and growing strong.”
DIY projects can also aid with growth without breaking the bank.
“Creating a raised bed from old wooden pallets is a fun and cost-effective project,” she said.
“It helps with drainage and gives your garden a neat look. You can also make your own compost bin from a plastic container – it’s easy and helps recycle kitchen waste.”