How To Make Pepper Spray For Plants

Gardening can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, including dealing with unwanted pests.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using cayenne pepper spray to protect your plants and garden from pesky critters. We’ll also provide you with a simple recipe to make your own pepper spray.

Benefits of Pepper Spray on Plants

 Cayenne pepper spray offers several advantages when it comes to safeguarding your plants:

1. Organic and Natural: Cayenne pepper is a natural and organic solution, making it safe for your garden and the environment. It’s a chemical-free alternative to commercial pesticides.
2. Deters a Variety of Pests: Cayenne pepper spray is effective at deterring a wide range of garden pests, including bunnies, groundhogs, squirrels, deer, raccoons, and even ants.
3. Safe for Consumption: While the spray can be applied to plants, it’s essential to wash your produce thoroughly before consumption, especially if it rains, as the spray can wash off.

Pests That Pepper Spray Will Work On

Cayenne pepper spray can help protect your garden from various common pests, such as:

• Stray Cats: Cayenne pepper spray’s strong scent and taste can deter stray cats from digging or defecating in your garden.
• Deer: Deer can devastate a garden, but cayenne pepper spray can deter them from approaching and munching on your plants.
• Raccoons: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through gardens, but the spicy spray can discourage their visits.
• Squirrels: Squirrels often nibble on fruits and vegetables, making cayenne pepper spray a useful deterrent.
• Ants: Cayenne pepper can keep ants away from your garden, preventing them from establishing colonies.

Pepper Spray Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own cayenne pepper spray:

Ingredients:

• Ground Cayenne Pepper
• Water
• Dawn Dish Liquid (or any dish soap)

Instructions:

1. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the spicy cayenne pepper.
2. In a container, mix 2-3 tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper with a gallon of water. Stir well to dissolve the cayenne pepper thoroughly.
3. Add a small amount of Dawn Dish Liquid to the mixture. This helps the spray adhere to the plants.
4. Let the mixture settle for an hour or two, then stir it again.
5. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application.

Application Tips:

• Apply the spray in the evening when the sun is less intense, especially during hot weather.
• Spray it generously on your plants, covering the leaves and stems.
• If you have persistent pests, consider sprinkling additional cayenne pepper around the garden.

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