Soap is Not Detergent

• Soap spray can keep bugs and fungus off of tomato plants, but do not make the mistake of using detergent instead of soap. Purchase an organic, pure castile liquid soap. Dr. Bronner's Peppermint is a good choice; the peppermint oil in the soap will add to the pesticide qualities. The soap must be biodegradable so that it will break down easily in the soil and not hurt the roots of the tomato plants. Detergent will kill your tomato plants.
  
  

Recipe

• To make a soap spray, all you need is 2 tbsp. of soap to 1 quart of water. Mix and transfer to a spray bottle. While this is effective in and of itself, you can make a stronger brew. Strong smelling roots and spices such as hot peppers, garlic, horseradish and ginger repel insects. Throw a handful of roots and spices into a mason jar. Cover with boiling water and let sit overnight. Strain the concoction and use it as part of the water when you make your soap spray. This is effective but, because it will eventually rot, you must use it within a week or freeze some for later use.
  
  

How It Works

• Soap spray works by smothering insects. Some bugs are repelled by the roots and spices, if you choose to use them. Any bugs that come near tomatoes that are treated with soap spray, however, will be smothered and dehydrated. The pure castile soap spray also protects tomatoes from fungus. Because it is biodegradable and safe, it can be used up until you are ready to harvest.
  
  

Insect Sprays

• Soapy insecticide and anti-fungus sprays are available for purchase, but a careful reading of the ingredients indicates that they are nothing more than soap and something you can make on your own. "Potassium salts of naturally occurring fatty acids" are simply soaps. Just be sure to use organic, biodegradable liquid soap that is not full of chemical perfumes or preservatives.