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organic Every Try This as an Organic Garden Insect Repellent?

geeme

geeme

I heard a discussion on the radio a few days ago and promptly forgot it after arriving at my destination. But I remembered it this morning and got to wondering if anyone here has tried this and what the experience was. The premise is that bugs in your area have plants that they are attracted to and plants that they intentionally stay away from. Often, the plants they stay away from are considered to be weeds, while they're very attracted to your garden. So take some of this weed, make a tea of it, then spray down your garden plants with the tea.
 
I am thinking the possibility exists that they'd be going after some of the weeds if your garden didn't exist, that they're just less attracted in some cases than in others. But the possibility also exists that they are actually repelled by some of the weeds. 
 
I am aware of the theory that you should just plant bug-resistant plants near your desirable plants (a.k.a. "companion planting"), but that's not what I am asking about here. What if, instead of planting, say marigolds, you just made marigold tea and sprayed your desirable plants with them? I am not fond of marigolds at all, and had no luck when I attempted companion planting with them a number of years ago, so planting them is not an option I would even consider at this point. But I would consider buying some marigold plants just to make tea with, as an example. 
 
Interesting idea. Hopefully someone has some info on this. If not and you go ahead and try this yourself, please keep us informed.
 
Well, it's dandelion season here and I don't recall ever seeing an aphid on a dandelion, so I am thinking they would make a good first-time experiment. (I have neighbors who love dandelions, so all my attempts to eradicate them from my yard are somewhat futile.) Anyone know of any reason to avoid trying dandelions?
 
All plant parts from roots to flowers used in the preparation of liquid manure.
 
Dandelion manure is highly valued in the culture of the tomato because it is rich in potassium which ensures good flowering and thereby a good fruiting. It is also well known for use as growth stimulator on newly installed plants or seedlings planted in the garden or ornamental garden.
 
Dandelion manure would also have an effect on the downy mildew when used in regular spraying.
 
2 kg of dandelions;(with flower if possible)
10 liters of water.
 
one liter of liquid manure per 5 liters of water
 
I don't see why it would hurt to use an insect resistant plant in a foliar spray, but I have to say...I have the complete opposite idea when it comes to companion plants.  I plant weeds that attract insects as bug traps (like daturas).
 
geeme said:
Well, it's dandelion season here and I don't recall ever seeing an aphid on a dandelion, so I am thinking they would make a good first-time experiment. (I have neighbors who love dandelions, so all my attempts to eradicate them from my yard are somewhat futile.) Anyone know of any reason to avoid trying dandelions?
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Dandelion greens are mighty fine food, also. So, if you can localize them near your plants, and they work for you, why not?
Helvete said:
I don't see why it would hurt to use an insect resistant plant in a foliar spray, but I have to say...I have the complete opposite idea when it comes to companion plants.  I plant weeds that attract insects as bug traps (like daturas).
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Yeah... Sacrificial plants that you can use to attract, and then spray pesticide on, that you would never spray on your food.
 
I think I will try both methods - straight tea on one hand, fermented juice on the other - and see if a discernable difference exists. Lord knows there are enough dandelions around here!
 
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