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How to Make Garlic Spray for Plants: A Natural, Effective Way to Repel Pests
People tend to have strong feelings about garlic — they either love it or hate it. And guess what? Many garden pests feel the same way. That’s why garlic spray is such a smart, organic way to keep your plants safe. While some insects and animals aren’t fazed by garlic, others absolutely hate it. It’s like a natural vampire repellent, but for bugs.
Making your own garlic spray is an easy, affordable, and chemical-free way to fight back against unwanted garden visitors. It works great in vegetable gardens, especially if you’re trying to grow organically. Best of all, it’s simple to whip up with ingredients you probably already have at home.
But before you start spraying, remember: healthy plants are the best defense. Keep your garden weed-free, use high-quality soil, and give your plants the care they need to thrive. If pests are still giving you trouble, then it’s time to bring out the garlic spray.
What Pests Does Garlic Spray Help Repel?
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Garlic spray is a broad-spectrum natural pesticide, which means it can help deter a wide range of garden pests. It doesn’t kill them outright—it just repels them with its strong scent and sulfuric compounds.
Here are some of the common pests garlic spray can help drive away:
- Aphids
- Ants
- Beetles
- Borers
- Caterpillars
- Armyworms
- Slugs
- Termites
- Whiteflies
You can also plant garlic in the garden itself, which offers some pest control benefits too—but more on that later.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Spray

You probably have everything you need already in your kitchen. Here’s your supply list:
- 4 to 5 cloves of garlic
- A few drops of dish soap (preferably biodegradable and chemical-free)
- Knife, garlic press, food processor, or mortar and pestle
- Bowl with a spout, pitcher, or a clean bucket
- Jar or container with a lid
- Cheesecloth or a coffee filter
- A clean spray bottle
How to Make Garlic Spray for Plants (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Crush the Garlic

Start by crushing your garlic cloves. Use a garlic press, food processor, or mortar and pestle. If you don’t have any of those tools, mince the garlic as finely as possible with a knife and then smash it with the flat side to make a paste.
Step 2: Add Garlic to Soapy Water

In a bowl, pitcher, or bucket, mix 4 cups (0.94 liters) of water with 4–5 drops of dish soap. Then stir in your mashed garlic. This creates your concentrate.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture

Place a cheesecloth or coffee filter over the opening of a large jar or lidded container, then pour in the mixture to strain out the garlic bits. This prevents clogs in your spray bottle.
Step 4: Dilute Before Spraying

Garlic concentrate is too strong to apply directly. You’ll need to dilute it at a ratio of 1 part concentrate to 10 parts water. For example, mix 1/4 cup (60 ml) of garlic concentrate with 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) of water. Add this diluted mix to a spray bottle—and you’re ready to go!
👉 Pro Tip: The garlic solution is most effective when used fresh, so try to use it within a few days for the best results.
How to Use Garlic Spray in the Garden
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Once your spray is ready, apply it once a week to the affected plants. If you’re dealing with heavy rainfall, you may need to reapply twice a week.
Be strategic—only spray the parts of the plant that pests are bothering. Garlic spray can repel good bugs too, so you want to minimize contact with areas where beneficial insects might be hanging out.
And here’s a helpful reminder: avoid spraying just before harvest, unless you like your veggies to have a garlic-and-soap aftertaste.
Can Garlic Spray Hurt Plants?
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That’s a great question. If used properly—meaning diluted—it’s completely safe for most plants. But applying the garlic and soap concentrate without diluting it first can damage leaves and roots. Always dilute before spraying!
Advanced Garlic Pest Control Tip: Plant It!
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Want to take garlic pest control to the next level? Try intercropping—which simply means planting garlic next to your other vegetables. It’s especially effective when planted near tomatoes, where it can deter red spider mites, or near roses, to keep aphids away.
✅ Good garlic companions:
- Tomatoes
- Roses
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
❌ Plants to avoid near garlic:
- Peas
- Beans
- Potatoes
These crops don’t grow well with garlic, so it’s best to keep them apart.
FAQs About Garlic Spray for Plants
Does garlic spray kill pests?
No, garlic spray repels pests. It irritates them or masks the scent of your plants, making them less attractive to bugs.
How long does garlic spray last?
The concentrate will start losing potency after a few days, so it’s best to use it fresh or within a week if refrigerated.
Can I use garlic spray indoors?
You can, but use it sparingly and in well-ventilated areas—it’s pungent!
Will garlic spray harm pollinators?
It can if overused. That’s why you should only spray the affected areas, and avoid spraying flowers where pollinators land.
Can I freeze the concentrate for later use?
Technically, yes—but freezing may slightly reduce its effectiveness. It’s best made fresh in small batches.
Final Thoughts: A Simple, Smart, Natural Pest Solution
Garlic spray is one of those old-school gardening hacks that really works. It’s simple, cheap, organic, and easy to make at home. Plus, it helps you manage pests without resorting to toxic chemicals that could harm your plants or the environment.
Just remember to keep your plants healthy first and foremost—good soil, regular weeding, and proper care go a long way. Garlic spray is your backup plan for when pests still manage to sneak through.
And if you’re already a fan of garlic in the kitchen, why not grow it in the garden too? It’s a win-win.
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