What folk remedies can be used to treat cucumbers against ticks in a greenhouse? - briefly
Neem oil, garlic‑water, hot pepper infusion, tobacco tea, and diatomaceous earth are traditional treatments for cucumber plants infested with greenhouse mites; each is applied as a foliar spray or dust at early signs of infestation. Use the solution every 5–7 days, covering both leaves and stems, and discontinue when mites are no longer observed.
What folk remedies can be used to treat cucumbers against ticks in a greenhouse? - in detail
Traditional home treatments for cucumber plants in a greenhouse can suppress tick infestations effectively when applied correctly.
A common preparation uses neem oil diluted to 1 % with water and a few drops of liquid soap as an emulsifier. Spray the foliage until runoff, covering undersides where ticks hide. Repeat every 5–7 days during active growth.
Garlic extract offers repellent action. Blend 4–5 cloves with 1 L of water, steep for 24 hours, strain, and add 1 tsp of mild detergent. Apply in the same manner as neem oil, limiting use to three applications per week to avoid phytotoxicity.
Chili pepper spray deters ticks through capsaicin. Mix 2 tbsp of finely ground dried chilies with 1 L of water, simmer for 10 minutes, cool, strain, and add 0.5 tsp of liquid soap. Use early morning or late afternoon to prevent leaf burn; reapply after rain.
Inorganic powders such as diatomaceous earth or wood ash create a desiccating barrier. Dust a thin layer on soil surface and leaf undersides, avoiding excessive amounts that may block stomata. Reapply after irrigation.
Milk spray works as a mild fungicide and insect deterrent. Combine 1 part raw milk with 2 parts water, add a pinch of baking soda, and spray every 10 days. Observe plants for any signs of leaf spotting.
Tomato leaf infusion, rich in alkaloids, repels ticks. Steep 200 g of fresh tomato leaves in 2 L of water for 48 hours, strain, and add 1 tsp of soap. Apply at the start of the growing season and repeat biweekly.
Coffee grounds, when mixed into the topsoil at a rate of 30 g per square meter, reduce tick populations by altering soil microflora. Avoid piling grounds directly on stems to prevent fungal growth.
All treatments require thorough coverage of leaf surfaces, especially the lower side where ticks congregate. Monitor plants for leaf discoloration or wilting, adjusting concentration or frequency as needed. Combining two compatible remedies—such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth—enhances efficacy while minimizing chemical load.
Maintain optimal greenhouse conditions: temperature 22–26 °C, relative humidity 60–70 %, and adequate ventilation. Proper cultural practices reduce stress, making plants less attractive to pests and increasing the success of folk interventions.