(Almost) Organic Pest Repellent for Garden

spray bottle with misting nozzle
funnel
piece of cloth (such as cheesecloth or an old T-shirt)
1 small onion
1/2 jalapeno pepper
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 quart warm water
1 Tablespoon liquid dish soap*

*To make organic repellent, use an organic dish soap such as Seventh Generation.

1. Blend all the vegetables together in the blender or food processor to make a thick paste.
2. Put the water into a large pot and dump in the vegetable paste and cayenne pepper.
3. Cover and let sit overnight.
4. Put the funnel over a large bowl and line it with the old T-shirt or some cheesecloth.
   
5. Slowly and carefully pour mixture through the funnel and into the bowl. If you can see vegetable chunks, strain it a second time.
   
6. Squeeze the mush that collected in the cloth into the bowl and then discard what's left.
7. Add the dish soap and stir well.
8. Using the funnel, pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze. (Shake thoroughly before refilling the spray bottle.)
   

To use, spray the entire surface of the plants, including stems and underside of leaves. Also spray the ground around the base of the stems. Treat every four to five days, in the morning or late afternoon.

This repellent does not directly kill the insects, but the residue makes the plants unpalatable. The soap may also interfere with some bugs' ability to walk on the surface of the leaves. It may take three or four treatments to kill off the bugs (through starvation).