What is it?
TOMATOES along with potatoes, capsicum and chilli peppers, aubergines, tamarillo and cape gooseberries are members of the ‘nightshade’ family. Their foliage contains toxic compounds called alkaloids. These alkaloids are handy for controlling aphids when applied in the form of a spray made from soaked leaves. Not only does tomato leaf spray kill aphids it is also said to attract beneficial predatory insects that ‘home in’ on the smell of tomato and potato plants as they look for pr
How to make it
Ingredients:
2 cups of chopped tomato leaves
2 cups of water
strainer, muslin or coffee filter to strain solution
spray bottle
How to make:
Soak 2 cups of chopped tomato leaves in 2 cups of water overnight.
Strain liquid the next day (discard leaves).
Add 2 more cups of water to the solution
Fill spray bottle.
How to use:
Spray affected plants, as soon as aphids appear, to keep numbers down. Pay particular attention to stems and the under side of leaves – as well as growing tips. Use only when pests are visible and re-apply after rain. Hopefully beneficial insects will follow the smell of the spray once you have applied it and get to work on your pests.
NB: Should be avoided by those with allergy to nightshade family.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Label solution and date it.
Keep solution out of reach of children and pets.
Wash any treated produce before eating
Test solution on one or two plants before widespread use.
Wear appropriate protective clothing during use.
Wash your hands after use
