Cultivating vegetables in your garden is enjoyable until you encounter some annoying insects making their way in.
Nevertheless, there are ways to manage those crawling insects. One way is to utilize an organic insecticide for vegetable gardens.
Organic insecticides are derived from natural or plant-based sources, which means they are better for the environment.
Also, they are less likely to endanger humans and pets.
Below is a list of some of the best organics insecticides to use in vegetable gardens.
5 Best Organic Insecticide for Vegetable Garden
1. Monterey LG6135 Garden Insect Spray
The Monterey garden spray is a great choice for you when your plants are infested with insects like caterpillars, fire ants, gypsy moths, or trips. However, it is not effective against aphids.
Spinosad is the active ingredient. This bacteria is produced through fermentation, so it’s safe for use around people and pets.
Also, if you’re struggles with the smell of insecticides, you will appreciate the fact this odorless insecticide will not leave an odor behind.
After applying, the Monterey garden spray acts quickly, killing insects in one to two days.
The spinosad target the insect’s nervous systems, causing them to die quickly.
One clear advantage of a spinosad insecticide, is that it will have the least impact on beneficial insects like butterflies.
Pros
- Effective in killing various insects
- Odorless
- OMRI approved
Cons
- Ineffective on aphids
- Harmful to bees
- May damage some plants
You can apply this product to your garden using a handheld, backpack, hose-end, or trigger sprayer.
Please make sure to follow the user instructions, prior to application.
2. PyGanic Gardening Botanical Insecticide
This insecticide, PyGanic, is composed of pyrethrins. It is not harmful to humans, though it will kill insects.
This insecticide is effective at killing over 200 different kinds of crop-feeding insects.
You can use it on a variety of vegetables in your garden without ruining them.
The insecticide is OMRI listed and compliant with the National Organic Program.
So, you know it’s safe to use around your family, including dogs.
Insecticide is most effective when sprayed directly on the target insect when it’s active.
Be sure to spray it thoroughly for even coverage. It works on contact with the insect.
Do not use it, if it is raining, it will rinse off the plants.
Pros
- Applicable to a wide range of plants
- Can get rid of over 200 insects
- It kills the insects immediately once they come into contact with it
Cons
- It does not provide residual killing; it only works when sprayed onto the invading insect
That being said, the insecticide can be used at all stages of plant growth; just follow the dilution instructions to get the most effective mixing ratios.
3. Natria Insecticidal soap
The use of this insecticide will enable you to wipe out aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, earwigs, mites, and other troublesome insects.
The insects succumb to the insecticide in minutes. It is effective in killing the insect pests in all stages: larva, nymph, and adult.
The insecticide is also a clear winner because it comes ready to use with a sprayer designed into the container.
Simply ensure that all parts of the plants receive a coverage application for best results. Especially, be sure you cover the underside of leaves.
You could apply this insecticidal soap mixture for both indoor and outdoor plants.
It can be safely applied to most edible crops, small fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
Pros
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- The easy-to-use bottle design
Cons
- Some users complained about plant burns
It’s best for use during every developmental stage of the plants until the harvesting period begins. For reapplications of insecticidal soap, wait about 7 to 14 days.
4. HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is an organic substance that is typically mined, after which it is ground into powder to apply as an insecticide.
Because it is 100% Diatomaceous Earth with no fillers needed to mix, it is listed with OMRI as organic compliant.
Diatomaceous Earth works by absorbing all fats and oils from the cuticle of the insect, dehydrating it.
Diatomaceous Earth will be effective as long as it is dry, so if it rains, you will need to apply it again.
To use, simply dust the plants that are under attack from the insect. Some insects controlled are cutworms, aphids, slugs, snails, and Japanese beetles.
For controlling slugs, you would sprinkle the dust where they are likely to be on the ground.
HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth is food grade which makes it safe for people and pets.
Pros
- Food grade
- Packaging includes a duster
Cons
- Only effective when dry; not suitable for watered lawns
It is important to always purchase the food safe type so you do not inhale toxic contaminants.
5. PetraTools Pure Neem Oil
Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, is an efficacious insecticide intended for household use.
Neem oil acts as both an insecticide and an insect repellant and also inhibits insect feeding.
Moreover, neem oil affects insects’ hormones, so they can’t grow or produce eggs.
This PetraTools neem oil is OMRI listed for indoor and outdoor use. You must mix it with water and dish soap before applying it to the plants.
Just heed the mixing guidelines. Be cautious not to Over apply the neem oil, as it will burn the plants, particularly in hotter weather.
Neem oil kills aphids, leaf miner, leafhoppers, caterpillars, whiteflies, and trips.
In addition to being an insecticide, you can also use neem oil for managing fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.
Pros
- Higher level of effectiveness
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- May burn plants
The neem oil demonstrates effectiveness because of the quantity of Azadirachtin found in the neem oil.
The Azadirachtin component also contributes to a higher usage level than other brands with Azadirachtin present.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Organic Insecticide for Vegetable Gardens
When picking an insecticide to use in your vegetable garden, here is what to consider.
The type of insect
As you’ve seen, different insecticides kill different insects!
It is important to know what insect you are trying to control before you purchase it.
Be sure the insecticide you choose is appropriate for that insect.
One should also pay attention to beneficial insects that are in your garden and make sure it is insecticides do not kill those insects also.
Finally, one should consider the insect’s development stage.
While many insecticides can be used for all stages of development, some specific insecticides will be effective only for certain stages.
The type of plant
Similarly, some insecticides are more effective in different types of plants.
It is recommended to look if the insecticide that you will be purchasing is suitable for your plant.
Not doing so may risk losing some plants, you can also buy other insecticides for your plants in your garden, if necessary.
A note to remember – the growth stage of your plant is also important; you can use some insecticides in all of the seasons, while others will only be usable in certain phases.
The speed of effectiveness
Unless they are present in large numbers, you could overlook the insects inhabiting your garden.
If you are in this situation, an insecticide that is fast-acting would be the best choice.
This way, you can contain the situation as soon as possible, and the amount of damage is minimal.
The weather conditions
As you are aware, weather factors can interfere with the efficacy of certain pesticides.
Some pesticides, such as insecticides, can be ineffective, or even cause burn to your plants, in hot climates.
In situations where temperatures are significantly high at time of application, you may want to consider a different insecticide. The same holds true for pesticides that may be impacted by rain.
Safety Precautions When Using Organic Insecticides
While organic pesticides are less dangerous than synthetic pesticides, they still can sometimes present a risk if improperly applied.
These guidelines will help protect you and your family from harm.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Prior to applying any insect killer, you will want to take a look at the instructions from the manufacturer.
This information will often come with dilution rates and how much insecticide to apply.
Following the rules makes sense, and can help prevent problems. In some cases, you will also want to mix the insecticide in a well-ventilated area.
Heads up! Don’t get tempted to ad more insecticide than the instructions state.
You also do not want to mix any extra insecticide that you will not use for that instance. You may find that the insecticide may not work for future applications.
Do not mix insecticides. A reaction may happen and no one wants that.
Wear protective clothing
The manufacturer’s directions may also specify the use of protective clothing.
This may include gloves, long sleeve shirt, closed toed shoes, long pants and goggles.
Be sure to dress appropriately and change into everyday clothes after you complete the job.
Wash your hands thoroughly after the application and properly clean the protective clothing that you used.
Indoor use
When using insecticide products indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
You should also remove personal items (food, toys, clothing, etc.) to avoid contaminating the items.
Children, pets, and all other humans not involved in the application should stay away and out of hazard during the application, and until the insecticide has dried.
Consider the weather conditions
Avoid applying pesticides when it is windy, as the spray can drift onto surfaces that you do not want it to reach.
And in addition, you don’t want to spray if it is raining, because it will just be washed off.
Storage
To ensure proper identification, it is best to always store insecticides in the original container.
In addition, when storing insecticides, keep them out of non-adult reach, preferably in a locked cupboard, and above waist height area if possible.
Know your first aid measures
It is wise to become familiar with the first aid procedures that you may apply in any situation if an accident occurs. Check the label of the product for this information.
You can also find more information from the poison control center.
Final Word
Organic insecticides for vegetable gardening is safest for pest control.
By choosing organic insecticides, you also protect the environment.
Make sure to check the expiration date and do not buy more than you intend to use within that time period.
It is a good idea to apply insecticides as soon as you notice the insect invasion; waiting too long will put your crop at risk of being lost, or at the very least will lower the yield.
Whenever in doubt, contact your local extension officer or professionals in the area and you will receive guidance and advice, and lessen your chances of unnecessary losses.