How To Make Citrus Spray For Plants

Maintaining a lush and thriving garden is a rewarding experience for many of us, but it often comes with the challenge of dealing with unwanted pests.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of citrus spray, a simple and organic solution that can help you not only provide essential nutrients to your plants but also keep common garden pests like aphids, ants, and spider mites at bay.

We will delve into the benefits of using citrus spray, the pests it effectively combats, and provide you with an easy-to-follow citrus spray recipe to protect your garden naturally.

5 Benefits of Using Citrus Spray on Plants

1. Natural Fertilizer: Citrus peels, such as orange peels, are rich in nitrogen and other essential nutrients, making citrus spray a natural and cost-effective fertilizer for your plants.
2. Effective Pest Repellent: Citrus peels contain limonene, a natural enzyme that repels a wide range of garden pests and insects, including aphids, ants, and spider mites.
3. Non-Toxic: Citrus spray is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, posing no harm to your plants, pets, or the environment.
4. Easy to Prepare: Creating citrus spray is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
5. Versatile Use: Citrus spray can be applied to a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and ornamental flowers, making it a versatile solution for your entire garden.

Pests That Citrus Spray Works Against

Citrus spray is particularly effective in deterring and eliminating various garden pests, including:

1. Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can quickly damage your plants. Citrus spray’s limonene content helps repel aphids and protect your garden.
2. Ants: Citrus fragrance is effective at deterring ants, preventing them from invading your plants and causing damage.
3. Spider Mites: The natural oils in citrus peels, released when making citrus spray, can be a formidable deterrent against spider mites, which can devastate your plants.

Citrus Spray Recipe

Creating your citrus spray is a breeze with this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Peels from two oranges (or citrus fruit of your choice)
• Hot boiling water
• A glass bottle with a lid
• A spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Begin by breaking the orange peels into smaller pieces and placing them in a glass bottle.
2. Fill the glass bottle with hot boiling water, covering the peels completely. This hot water will help release the natural oils from the peels.
3. Secure the lid on the glass bottle and let it sit for a minimum of 24 hours. This allows time for the natural oils to infuse into the water.
4. After 24 hours, strain the liquid from the glass bottle into a spray bottle. This liquid is your citrus spray, ready to use.
5. Spray the citrus solution on plants affected by pests, ensuring you cover both the tops and undersides of leaves.
6. Use this spray as needed whenever you spot a pest infestation on your plants or as a weekly preventive measure to enhance plant growth and deter pests.

Further reading

I’ve created a list of several types of homemade organic sprays that provide nutrients or protect plants from pests and diseases. Check the post below for this list.

• 21 Organic Homemade Garden Spray For Plants