Here are a few herb “teas” for you to use in the garden rather than for you to drink. 

Yarrow Tea  (for mealy bugs and other soft bodied insects)

1 cup of Yarrow leaves, blossoms, and stems

2 cups water

Make a yarrow infusion, either by simmering the yarrow in the water on your stovetop or set outside and make yarrow sun tea.

Add this to a gallon container and fill rest of the way with water, or part strong coffee.  Add 1/4 tsp Castille soap.

Spray plants every 1 to 2 weeks.  This is also said to be a plant tonic, as well as a remedy for soft-bodied bugs. 

Willow Water (for rooting cuttings)

Cut soft tips of willow branches and soak in water.  Strain and use this willow water to dip stems of cuttings before planting and to water newly planted cuttings to help them root, like rooting hormone.  If you have leftovers, label and store in the refrigerator. 

Comfrey and Nettle can both be made into a tea to fertilize the garden by filling a bucket half full of the leaves of either herb and then filling the bucket with water.  Cover and let “brew” for a couple of weeks, stirring occasionally.  When you are ready to use the tea, strain out the herb and add that to the compost bin.  Dilute the tea with more water until it resembles weak black tea, or even more if you are using it on seedlings.  Note that this tea does not smell good, though the plants won’t mind the smell at all! 

I’m sure there are many other garden teas and tonics made from herbs, and I’d love to hear yours so please share!

Blessings,

Catherine