ANy alternatives instead of using pesticides?
Answers: There are lots of safe and sound alternatives, depending on the pest.
For powdery mildew, mix a little bit of baking soda and ONE drop dish detergent into a spray bottle of hose, and liberally spray the leaves (preventative, doesn't work as okay after the leaves are infected.)
For aphids, spider mites and scale, mix a spray bottle next to 1/4 rubbing alcohol and 3/4 water. You can also put rubbing alcohol on a cotton orb and wipe the bugs, which die immediately (the alcohol dried them out I think). If you use fuller strength though, be cautious about burning, so it's better to rinse the leaves beside water afterwards.
Another answer mentioned using sundry plants nearby which deter bugs, i.e. another great option. I own also seen honourable results from applying compost tea to the leaves of plants, which increases their natural defenses. It's harder to find ahold of though, unless you make it yourself.
depends on what you are trying to decimate..
a quality nursery should enjoy answers...or a quick Yahoo furrow on less detrimental or all colloquial weed killers would do
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