protecting your plants. By boiling a few cloves of garlic, you can create an
effective natural plant disinfectant that helps keep pests away, promoting
healthier growth in your garden or balcony greenery. This method is simple,
cost-effective, and free from harsh chemicals, making it a great alternative
for environmentally conscious gardeners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to
creating your very own garlic-based plant spray.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

• 5 cloves of garlic (unpeeled)
• 350 ml of water
• 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap (optional for enhanced
  effectiveness)

If you want to make a larger batch, feel free to Double the
Quantities! Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you increase the volume
significantly. That way, you’ll have enough garlic spray on hand to protect your
plants!

Preparation Steps:

1. Gather the Garlic: Start by gathering 5 cloves of garlic. You don’t need to peel them;
   their skins contain compounds that can also contribute to the solution’s
   effectiveness.
2. Boil the Garlic: Place the garlic cloves in a saucepan and pour in about 350 ml of
   water. Bring the water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat
   and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the garlic’s natural properties
   to infuse into the water.
3. Cool and Strain: After boiling, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down
   completely. Strain the liquid to remove the garlic cloves, leaving behind
   a potent garlic solution.
4. Optional Step – Add Dish Soap: For an even stronger repellent effect, mix in 2 tablespoons of liquid
   dish soap once the solution has cooled. This addition helps the garlic
   solution adhere to plants more effectively.
5. Transfer to Spray Bottle: Pour the cooled solution into a clean spray bottle, ready for easy
   application.

Application

Usage:

1. Shake and Spray: Before each use, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the solution is
   mixed thoroughly. Spray it directly onto the soil around the base of your
   plants or onto the leaves to help ward off pests. The natural compounds in
   garlic act as a deterrent to many common garden insects.
2. Indoor Use: This garlic solution can also be used indoors, as its natural
   ingredients won’t harm pets or humans. Simply spray it around windowsills,
   doorways, and plant pots to keep small insects, like ants and aphids, at
   bay.

Benefits of Garlic for Plant Care

1. Natural Insect Repellent: Garlic contains sulfur compounds, which are responsible for its strong
   smell and its effectiveness as a natural pest repellent. Pests like
   aphids, beetles, and mosquitoes are deterred by the scent of garlic,
   making it an ideal ingredient for a homemade plant spray.
2. Fungal Prevention: Garlic also possesses natural antifungal properties, which can help
   protect your plants from fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or black
   spots.
3. Safe for the Environment: Unlike chemical pesticides, this garlic solution is completely natural
   and safe for the environment. It won’t harm beneficial insects like bees
   or ladybugs and poses no risk to children or pets.
4. Affordable and Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients—most of which you likely already have
   at home—you can create an effective plant treatment without the cost of
   store-bought chemicals.

Tips for Enhancing Effectiveness

• Regular Application: To maintain its effectiveness, spray the garlic solution on your plants
  every few days, especially after rain, which may wash it away.
• Use Whole Garlic Cloves: For extra pest control, place whole garlic cloves directly in the soil
  around your plants. As the garlic decomposes, it will release even more
  repellent compounds into the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

Boiling garlic for plant care is a simple yet powerful way to protect your garden from pests
and fungal infections. This all-natural, eco-friendly solution is a great
alternative to chemical pesticides, ensuring your plants thrive in a safe and
healthy environment. Whether you have a small balcony garden or a larger
outdoor space, this garlic spray can help you maintain vibrant, pest-free
greenery.