An
essential oil
is the distilled essence of an aromatic plant (bark, root, flowers).
It is kept in a bottle that is both colored and dark - usually brown - to protect the contents from light.
Highly concentrated in active ingredients, essential oils, used preventively to preserve plants, must however be handled with care so as not to cause the opposite effect.
To discover
What vegetables and fruits are in season for April?
Why use essential oils in the garden?
They are effective in repelling or disrupting certain pests, insects and diseases.
They are used when certain natural products such as Bordeaux mixture or mixtures based on white vinegar and baking soda do not give the expected results.
They can also be used before resorting to more chemical and toxic products, especially for the environment.
Essential oils can have a powerful impact on fungus and bacterial diseases that have taken hold on some of your plants.
Regular and well-dosed treatment will promote their elimination.
Essential oils can also boost the natural defenses of plants, such as supplements such as fertilizers.
Important
: due to their very concentrated dose, it is advisable to follow the instructions given on the bottle, or provided in the box, so that the treatment is the most suitable.
It must respect the well-being of the cared for plant and the environment.
Read alsoHow to cook with essential oils?
What essential oils are used for gardening?
First of all, it is recommended to use essential oils from organic farming (AB label), without pesticides and which prove to be of better quality.
Fungicidal essential oils
Plants are regularly confronted with the appearance of fungi on their leaves, their stems or even their roots.
They proliferate rapidly and can harm plant growth.
Therefore, to fight against the most common diseases in the garden - mildew, powdery mildew, rust or peach leaf curl - the following essential oils are relatively effective:
- Garlic
- Tea tree
- Lemon
- Cloves
- Sweet orange
- Wild oregano
- Wild thyme
- Mountain savory
- Tansy
Repellent essential oils
For a repulsive effect, these are recommended:
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Clove
- Orange peel
- Eucalyptus
- Juniper
- Lavender
- Tangerine
- Pepper
- Thyme
Insecticidal essential oils
Some essential oils make it possible to avoid the arrival of unwanted "guests": small or large insects, from mosquitoes to bees, including ticks:
- Camphor
- Rose geranium
- Aspic lavender
- Peppermint
- Allspice
- Sage officinalis
Advice
Opt for edible essential oils to preserve the plantations of the vegetable garden, respecting the indications of the doses and the time between two recommended sprays.