How to make an Insect Spray from Rhubarb leaves.
If you grow your own Rhubarb, then you have access to the material to make an effective insect spray.
The spray is easy to make and is very effective on insects that attack ornamental plants such as aphids on roses. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, this is toxic which is why we don’t eat them. However as an aphid spray on roses it is very effective.
It also works on spider mites, caterpillars, slugs, and seems to work on some fungus diseases.
Recipe and Ingredients fo a Rhubarb Spray.
- 500g of rhubarb leaves
- 2 litres of water
- 1sp of horticultural soap that has been dissolved in a a little hot water or 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid
Use an old pot to brew the spray one that is no longer used for cooking.
Wear gloves when handling the leaves and the spray.
Steps
- Cut the rhubarb leaves up into strips
- Place then in a pot and add the water
- Bring to Boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes
- Allow to cool
- Strain into the liquid a spray bottle
- Add the dissolved soap or detergent and mix.
Top Tips
- Only make as much as you need as the spray deteriorates
- Do not spray on edibles as the oxalic acid from the rhubarb leaves is poisonous, and as far as we can determine a withholding period has not been identified