Grow Your Own Magazine

Well maybe...

About six weeks ago, we had an infestation of blackfly on our Broad Beans, but didn't want to spray, as we are trying to be organic. So my husband mixed up a very weak solution of Tea Tree oil shampoo with water and sprayed the affected bits. It worked brilliantly! The little pests have only just returned - so another quick squirt and it's curtains to the blackfly!

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has tried this cure. Do you think it was just the soap at work or is Tea Tree really natures little miracle?

Well who can say for sure but I have used it many times in all diferent circumstances in the past and have to say I think it is a little gem.

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Derbyshire born Derbyshire bred & I'm not thick int'arm ort'ead!

Tea tree oil shampoo is recommended to prevent headlice - I use it any time I think any of my students have nits and I've never (crosses fingers and touches wood) caught them. I suppose the active ingredient might be just as unpleasant for aphids.

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You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

blog: http://allyheebiejeebie.blogspot.com/ and my (basic!) page: http://www.allythegardener.co.uk/

Another repellant for head-lice(and maybe blackfly as well!) A large handful of southern wood(lad's love) in a bowl or bucket,pour over a kettle of boiling water and leave 'til luke-warm.Use as a final rinse for hair.
For blackfly,half a bucket of stinging nettles,three cloves of garlic,crushed,fill bucket theequarters full with water,stir a couple of times a day for two days and whoosh over affected plants using an old paint brush or similar.
Usually one application will be enough(also works with green-fly on roses etc.)
I always use this-and other "organic" solutions in the evening,after the bees have gone to bed.

Don't think I'll try washing my hair in garlic...

__________________
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

blog: http://allyheebiejeebie.blogspot.com/ and my (basic!) page: http://www.allythegardener.co.uk/

No,dear,The garlic is for blackfly,the southernwood for nits!! Though in an emergency I'd rather have garlicky hair than lice!!!!(I think)

This is similar to my method. We use Ecover plant based washing up liquid. Does the job, and is safe and friendly!

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Vegmonkey and the Mrs. - vegetable gardening in a small space in Cheltenham at www.vegmonkey.co.uk