Black soap is essential when it comes to eco-friendly gardening. Pure, non-toxic, and made solely from potash and vegetable oils like olive or linseed oil, it poses no risk to your health or the environment.

However, be sure to choose a specific product for gardening, as black soap used in cosmetics or household cleaning has a different composition. Always opt for a liquid formula that is easier to handle for garden use.

Discover right away how to make the most of this natural product with these four uses for a spotless garden.

1. Naturally get rid of harmful insects with black soap

Did you know that this natural product works as a formidable insecticide against aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, flies, and spider mites?

Its unique feature is that it’s a contact insecticide, effectively blocking the respiration of insects, leading to their elimination.

Ultra simple recipe for black soap insecticide:

To create a black soap-based insecticide, mix about 5 tablespoons of liquid black soap in one liter of very hot water. Wait a few moments for the solution to cool down, then pour it into a spray or garden sprayer.

Generously spray the mixture onto all affected parts of your plants, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves. Repeat the process after 10 days to ensure no invaders have survived.

Combine black soap and rapeseed oil to fight aphids

Aphids are particularly sensitive to the mixture of black soap and vegetable oil. Here’s an effective recipe you can make at home:

  • Dilute 2 tablespoons of liquid black soap with 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil in 1 liter of warm water.
  • Let it cool and then generously spray the solution on plants affected by aphids.

The solution acts quickly!

Stop the ant invasion with a simple dilution

Are ants taking over your terrace or garden? No worries, black soap is an excellent natural alternative:

  • Mix 200 grams of liquid black soap in 2 liters of warm water.
  • Thoroughly clean the infested areas as well as the entry points with this mixture.
  • Feel free to pour the excess directly onto the ant hills.

2. Prevent and treat garden diseases

In addition to being an insecticide, black soap also acts as a wetting agent, allowing plants to better absorb curative treatments. It blends well with Bordeaux mixture (against downy mildew), baking soda (against powdery mildew), or natural decoctions (nettle, garlic).

Here are a few helpful proportions to remember:

  • Anti-downy mildew mixture: add about 2% of liquid black soap to your Bordeaux mixture.
  • Treatment for powdery mildew: 2.5g of baking soda + 1 teaspoon of black soap per liter of water.
  • Natural decoctions (garlic, nettle): do not exceed 1 teaspoon of liquid black soap per liter of mixture.

Be careful, always remember to spray the preparations at a temperature below 20°C, ideally in the shade, to avoid burning the plants.

3. Gently remove sooty mold from leaves

Have you noticed that black film that prevents your plants from breathing? It’s likely sooty mold caused by aphids. With just 2 tablespoons of black soap diluted in 1 liter of warm water, you can delicately clean the affected leaves.

Simply soak a soft cloth in this cooled mixture and apply it without scrubbing. The leaves will quickly regain their impeccable appearance and can breathe freely again!

4. Breathe new life into your garden equipment and surfaces

Finally, did you know that black soap is perfect for maintaining your gardening tools? And that’s not all: paving stones, tiles, barbecues, or outdoor kitchens can withstand this powerful yet eco-friendly degreaser.

Here’s how to proceed easily:

  • Mix 3 tablespoons of liquid black soap in 5 liters of warm water.
  • Put on rubber gloves and use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub every dirty or greasy spot thoroughly.

Your outdoor space will be spotless, without any need for harmful chemical products.

Have you tried any of these black soap tips in your garden? Do you have any other natural tips to share? Feel free to share your experience or ask your questions just below. We’re interested in your feedback, and it could help other readers!