Last updated on 23 November 2024
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Gardening in Singapore’s tropical climate can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges, particularly pests and diseases.
Fortunately, there are several organic commercial and home made remedies that protect your plants without resorting to harsh chemicals.
In this article, we’ll explore some effective and environmentally friendly solutions for common garden problems.
Organic Pesticides to Consider
Neem Oil Products: Neem oil is a natural pesticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. It’s effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, mites, and whiteflies.
Eradicate these pests by diluting one teaspoon of neem oil plus an equal part of organic liquid hand-wash soap into one litre of water.
Neem oil works by disrupting the life cycle of pests and is safe for beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
I’ve gotten mealy bugs quite often on my herbs like curry leaf, Vietnamese coriander, tomatoes and ulam raja. Eradicate these pests by diluting one teaspoon of neem oil and an equal part of organic liquid hand-wash soap into one litre of water.
Apply the above home made mix with a spray bottle 1-2 times a week to all affected areas of your plants.
Pyrethrins-Based Products: Derived from certain chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrins are natural insecticides that attack the nervous systems of insects. They are effective against a variety of pests and are commonly found in organic gardening products.
White Oil or Summer Oil: This oil is used to coat the surface of insects, effectively suffocating them. It’s particularly useful against pests that produce a waxy substance for protection, such as scale insects.
DIY Remedies
Soap and Baking Soda: Begin by adding two teaspoons of liquid soap (preferably those without antibacterial properties and fragrances) and two third teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into 1 litre of water.
Shake well and apply this mixture to all parts of the plant using a spray bottle, focusing on the undersides of leaves and stem tips.
This solution is especially effective against spider mites as well as powdery mildew, a widespread fungal disease on plants.
Rubbing alcohol: I found this remedy really useful for mealy bugs in Singapore. These pests are tricky to remove using neem oil-based solutions as the latter is easily washed off during rainy seasons.
Dip the paintbrush in a diluted solution (i.e. 70% alcohol mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio by volume) and gently scrub affected areas of the plant.
This method helps remove and kill soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites on contact while being precise and controlled.
Chili-Garlic-Onion Spray: Combine 2 chili padis, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 large onion, all finely chopped, in 500ml of water. Let it steep for 24 hours, then sieve the mixture. The most active ingredient in the mixture is the chilli seeds.
Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and use it against a range of pests. Remember, it’s preservative-free, so use it quickly within three weeks, storing it in the fridge between uses.
When and How to Spray?
In Singapore’s tropical climate, here are some tips to apply organic pesticides.
- The best application time is late in the evening – these cooler parts of the day reduce the risk of harming beneficial insects and minimise the potential for leaf burn caused by the sun’s rays on wet foliage.
- Apply when dry weather is expected for at least 24 hours – This precaution helps ensure that the treatment remains on the plants long enough to be effective, as rain can wash it away.
- Remove the affected parts of the plants before spraying your pesticide on the plant. Spray every 2-3 days for already infected plants, and 1-2 weeks for preventive care.
- After spraying pesticide on the plant, wear gloves and gently disperse the product evenly on the plant’s leaves and stems to weed out hidden pests – the above step REALLY made a difference for me when I was fighting mealy bugs on my herbs.
- When your plants are sick, try to keep them in the shade as they are fighting pests and diseases. Don’t subject them to more heat injury!
- For a new spray, test it first on a small part of the plant – wait 24 hours to see if your plant is sensitive to this spray before spaying the entire plant.
Physical Removal, Baits and Barriers
Removing pests mechanically
Beyond eliminating infected plant sections or visible insects, you can also hose down your leaves at least once a week to physically remove pests from your plants.
If you don’t have one, use a pressured spray bottle to water downwards your plants.
Physical Barriers
Using tents or nets can shield your plants from moths and other flying insects. These barriers prevent pests from reaching your plants while still allowing sunlight and air to pass through.
(Source: Tenor)
Traps for Snails and Slugs
Watermelon Rind – Place watermelon rinds with the white part facing down in your garden. Snails are attracted to the rind and will congregate underneath, making it easier to remove them daily and control their population.
Beer bait bottle trap – Cut out the top of a used plastic bottle and screw on the cap. Overturn it and pour in some beer. Snails get attracted to the yeast and drown after they fall in.
Metallic tube – take a toilet paper tube and wrap it with copper tape so that the surface becomes slippery. Put the tube around young leaflings (their tender leaves attract snails) and the smooth walls of the tube act as a barrier against hungry leaf chompers.
Conclusion
Managing pests and diseases in your garden doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. These organic and household remedies offer effective, eco-friendly alternatives that are safe for your plants and the environment.
By using these methods, the Kaya Leaf gardening community can enjoy a healthy and thriving garden in Singapore’s tropical climate. Happy gardening!