Gardening Recipes
Below are some of our favorite, tried-and-true recipes for all things gardening. Whether you’re looking for bug spray to help keep you bug-free while you garden, or ways to help your plants thrive, we’ve got you covered! And remember, we’re adding new recipes all the time, so check back frequently to see what’s new.
CONTENTS
“The garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature.”
– Jeff Cox
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INGREDIENTS
This recipe has been modified from one of our favorite recipes. To view the original recipe, click here.
Bug Repellent – Lavender Topical
Vinegar and herbs do the heavy lifting in this amazing repellent!
This recipe is amazing at keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away! It’s also great for dry, itchy skin, or for using in homemade lotions, creams, and soaps.
- Fill a canning jar halfway with your dried lavender flowers.
- Fill the jar the rest of the way with the fractionated coconut oil (you can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or another carrier oil of your choice).
- Set the jar (uncovered) inside a small saucepan filled with 2-3 inches of water.
- Heat on low for about 2 hours. Watch that the water doesn’t evaporate away–add more water as needed.
- Remove from the heat and strain. Store directly in the jar and use as necessary (will keep for 9-12 months).
Homemade Bug Spray
This amazing bug spray will help you enjoy summer again! Plus, it smells great, and there are no toxic chemicals to worry about!
Ingredients
- 30 drops geranium essential oil
- 30 drops citronella essential oil
- 20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
- 1 tbsp vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 cup natural witch hazel
- 1/2 cup water (or vinegar)
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)
Directions
- Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle. Add vodka or rubbing alcohol and shake well to combine.
- Pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.
- Add glycerin (optional, but helps everything combine).
- Add water and shake again (you’ll need to shake before each use).
- Spray on clothes as needed (may also spray on skin, but test first to make sure there’s no reaction. Avoid the eyes, mouth, and ears when spraying).
INGREDIENTS
- 1 32-ounce bottle of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp each of dried sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme, and mint
- Quart-size or larger glass jar with airtight lid
This recipe has been modified from one of our favorite recipes. To view the original recipe, click here.
Tick and Insect Repellent
Vinegar and herbs do the heavy lifting in this amazing repellent!
This recipe can also be used as a tincture (it has antiviral and antibacterial properties). If using as a tincture, most adults take 1 tablespoon in water several times per day. Most kids over the age of 2 take 1 teaspoon in water several times per day.
- Put the vinegar and dried herbs into the glass jar.
- Seal tightly and store on the counter (or somewhere you’ll see it daily). Shake well each day for 3 weeks.
- After 3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincture bottles, preferably in the refrigerator.
- To use on the skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use whenever you need serious bug control!
DIY Gnat Trap
Easiest thing ever, and it works! Every. Single. Time.
Ingredients
Directions
- Fill a glass with 2-3 inches of apple cider vinegar.
- Add a tablespoon or so of dish soap.
- Cover the glass with plastic wrap. Make sure to poke some holes in the top for the gnats to get inside.
The gnats will be drawn to the apple cider vinegar, crawl in through the holes, and get stuck because of the soap. See? Super easy way to take care of gnats without using any harmful ingredients!
Some people also add some essential oil drops to draw gnats to their traps. We haven’t found that to be necessary, but if you want to try it, feel free!
Disclaimer: All information contained herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided to diagnose, prevent, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition for any human or animal, and Mother Nature’s Truths, as well as the author(s), contributor(s), publishers, and owners accept no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury, or who has an animal suffering from such, should consult with their physician or veterinarian. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.