We’ve been putting off writing about pesticides both because we wanted you to consider other options (and think about your garden as an ecosystem), and, honestly, we hate spraying. Poison is poison, even if it’s labeled organic.

Why we hate spraying organic pesticides

You can poison yourself. Treat organic pesticides like any other poison and don’t get it on your skin, in your eyes or mouth, or up your nose. Be extra careful mixing concentrated pesticides with water. Read the label.
You can poison other things like your family (mostly if someone gets into the concentrate, keep it out of reach of children and pets) or rivers and streams (if you spray too much near a stream).
Organic pesticides can be nonspecific meaning they kill the good things in the garden, too, like honey bees or lady bugs. Read the label.
They can be pricey for a big garden.
They wash off when it rains. (This is good, too, because you don’t want to eat organic pesticides, but frustrating when you’ve got a bug problem.)
They can damage leaves or the whole plant. Phytotoxicity is the sciency word for your plant getting damaged because you sprayed something on it that either wasn’t meant for that type of plant or reacted with heat or sunshine. We’ve done this, too. Read the label.

What is an organic pesticide, and how do I know it’s organic?

OMRI Listed means this insecticidal soap is approved for use in organic agriculture. (Photo: Label on the back side of a spray bottle of insecticidal soap.)

An organic pesticide is derived from a natural source. Neem oil comes from neem trees and can kill bugs and plant diseases. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a bacteria that kills caterpillars (including Monarch Butterfly caterpillars). Diatomaceous earth (DE), the silicon shells of dead marine life, is useful in killing slugs, ants and roaches.

Organic pesticides will include a label that says OMRI for Organic Materials Review Institute. OMRI reviews and approves materials that are allowed in organic agriculture.

Using Organic Pesticides

Identify the pest you want to kill.
Pick the right pesticide to kill that pest.
Read the label!!!!!!
Wear disposable gloves, a mask, long sleeves, pants, a hat/head covering and shoes. Goggles are a good choice, too. Keep poisons off/out of your body!
Spray when bees are not active. (Late in the evening/early in the morning.)
Test a few leaves first to see if the plant is sensitive to the pesticide.
More isn’t better. Read the label.

Resources

Organic Pesticides: Minimizing the Risks to Pollinators and Beneficial Insects, Xerces Society

Organic Materials Review Institute, find a list of materials approved for organic agriculture!

National Pesticide Information Center, find out all about organic and conventional pesticides here!

Get Growing: Poison is poison