Garlic Spray for Plants – A Natural Way to Fight Pests and Fungal Diseases

If you’re looking for an effective and chemical-free way to control pests and plant diseases in your garden, garlic spray is a time-tested natural remedy. Easy to make at home, garlic spray helps repel common pests and protect against fungal infections—while being eco-friendly and safe for most plants.

What Is Garlic Spray Good For?

Garlic contains sulfur compounds and essential oils that make it a powerful natural pesticide and fungicide. Here are its main uses:

• Against Pests: Garlic spray works well against aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. The strong smell and irritating properties deter many insects from feeding or laying eggs on your plants.
• Fungal Protection: It also helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and gray mold, especially when applied regularly and early.
• For Moles and Voles: Garlic spray is sometimes recommended as a repellent for moles and voles. While the pungent smell may drive them away temporarily, long-term success is limited and usually requires repeated applications and a combination of strategies.

How to Make Garlic Spray at Home

Making homemade garlic spray for plants is simple and inexpensive. You’ll need just two ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 100 g (about 3.5 oz) of fresh garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
• 1 liter (about 1 quart) of water

Instructions:

1. Place the crushed garlic and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Let it cool, strain the liquid, and pour it into a spray bottle.

Garlic Decoction vs. Garlic Water

Garlic decoction (also called garlic tea) is simmered, making it stronger and longer-lasting. Garlic water is simply garlic soaked in cold water and is milder—but also less effective and perishable.

How to Use Garlic Spray on Plants

To get the best results, apply your homemade garlic spray correctly:

• How to apply: Spray the affected plants thoroughly, covering both the top and underside of the leaves.
• How often: Every 2–3 days if pests are present. For prevention, once a week is enough.
• When to apply: Early morning or evening, never in direct sunlight, to avoid leaf burn.
• Dilution: For sensitive plants, dilute the garlic spray 1:5 with water. Hardy plants can tolerate it undiluted.

How Long Does Garlic Spray Last?

Garlic spray keeps for about one week in the fridge. After that, its active compounds degrade, and the smell may become unpleasant. For best results, prepare a fresh batch as needed.

Which Plants Are Sensitive to Garlic Spray?

Even though garlic spray is natural, some plants may react negatively:

• Sensitive plants: Ferns, seedlings, orchids, and African violets may show leaf damage or stress.
• Pro tip: Always test on a small part of the plant first. Wait 1–2 days before spraying the whole plant.