JoAnne Gaudioso
Essential oils can be valuable tools for every gardener, whether you are taking care of indoor plants or an outdoor garden. Not only are essential oils a natural alternative to harsh gardening chemicals, but they are also effective and easy to use. Whether you are trying to chase away garden pests, improve health and growth of the plants, or restore those gardener hands, essential oils can help.
Just as we use essential oils in three different ways, aromatically, topically and internally, so, too, can we use the oils in the same ways with plants. Indoors plants love having the oils diffused around them. Simply diffuse lemon essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil and watch your plants thrive from this aromatic use. Topically, you can make up a spray in a 16-ounce bottle by adding five drops of lemon, five drops of eucalyptus, and fill the bottle with tap water. I call this the happy plant spray. Shake well before using and just spray your plants lightly. If you are repotting plants, add DDR Prime to the soil and mix well. After you have replanted, add a drop of DDR Prime to some water and water your plant. Now the plants are getting the oils internally.
Let’s move outdoors. If you are a gardener, you are familiar with the concept known as plant companionship. This concept has you plant other plants that deter pests around your vegetables. For example, some people use flowers such as marigolds to keep pests away. But you can substitute essential oils for these companion plants. Basil is a great companion plant for tomatoes. You can use a drop of basil essential oil in a watering can to give the plants a dose that can be absorbed through the root system. Or use it as a spray. This helps to give the tomato plant great vigor for growth and plant resistance.
Some plants in our gardens, such as strawberries, may attract ants. Simply make up a spray with one or two drops of peppermint and water, and the ants will be gone. Peppermint can also be used to get rid of slugs, and aphids. Peppermint also works great for cooling your body off in the hot sun. Simply make up a small spray bottle with a drop or two of peppermint and add water. I keep it in the fridge, and it is always ready for me to grab. You can also apply lavender essential oil to soothe irritated skin associated with certain plants and bugs.
These are only a few of the many essential oils that can be used in your indoor or outdoor gardens. If you would like to learn more about gardening with essential oils, please join me for a special gardening class on June 22 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom.
If you would like to learn more about using essential oils for a healthier, more natural lifestyle, I offer introductory classes every Tuesday evening on June 14, 21, and 28 at 5 p.m. on Zoom. For those of you who prefer a one-on-one class, one can be scheduled at your convenience.
To register for a class or request a sample, please contact JoAnne Gaudioso by phone or text at 480-225-5224 or by email at [email protected].