How to Make Soapy Water Garden Spray

Last Updated: September 5, 2022

Soapy water garden spray is the most basic and simple organic garden spray that you can make at home or even on the toilet. It often serves as a base to other garden sprays, or it can be used on its own. Soapy water can be enough to kill some pest insects when sprayed directly on them.

Ingredients

16g / 1/2oz pure soap powder
2 liters (0.5 US gal) /67 fl.oz water

Steps

1
Purchase soap powder. Check that it is pure and does not contain chemical additives.
2
Mix the soap powder and water together.

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3
Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
4
Use immediately. There is no point storing this spray mixture - discard unwanted mixture down the drain.

Community Q&A

Question

How much soap should I use in one of those hose containers (yard fertilizer) to be effective? I have too many plants in my yard to use a spray bottle.

Community Answer

If you are using a commercial insect killing soap, follow the directions for dilution given on the container. If you are making your own insect killing soap spray, choose your soap carefully. Strong detergents may burn some plants. Use an environmentally friendly (biodegradable) soap. The standard dilution for hand spraying is 1 tablespoon (15 mL) soap to 1 gallon (about 3.75 L) water. Your hose end sprayer should show the appropriate amounts of concentrate to add for the desired amount of mixed spray.
Question

How to get rid of blackflies on outdoor plants?

Community Answer

If the infestation is not too bad, you may be able to knock them back with a strong stream of water from the hose. They are delicate bugs and easily dislodged. A mild soap spray will kill them on contact. Any decent garden supply store will carry a commercial brand. Encourage the 'good' bugs that eat them - ladybugs and their larva top the list - by planting many different kinds of flowering plants, especially the 'weedy' ones like feverfew, Queen Anne's lace and anise.