A natural pest control solution, use fermented rhubarb tea during the plant’s entire growth phase.
It is also possible to keep using the fermented tea after maceration for several weeks to several months.
When you choose to use fermented rhubarb tea, you’re supporting the environment while effectively treating your plants.
Rhubarb is an excellent pest repellent specific to certain insects, especially aphids.
It is also used against allium leaf-mining fly that often attacks leek.
What fermented rhubarb tea treats, and where to spray it
The same brew answers two different problems, depending on the plant you spray. This table sums up what the article says about each target.
What fermented rhubarb tea treats, and where to spray it
Pest targeted
Plants to spray
How to apply
Aphids
Rose trees, flower shrubs, perennials and vegetables
Filtered tea, sprayed over the foliage
Aphids
Fruit trees such as peach trees and cherry trees
Filtered tea, sprayed over the foliage
Allium leaf-mining fly worms
Leek
Sprayed directly onto the leek plants
Whichever target you have in mind, the preparation below is the same.
Preparing fermented rhubarb tea
There are 2 methods, both of which are very effective. Note that you should leave the barrel or container open at the top so that air can circulate during fermentation.
Macerate 35 to 50 oz (1 to 1.5 kg) rhubarb leaves in 10 quarts (10 liters) water for around 72 hours.
Filter out solids and retain only the resulting tea.
Spray with a spraying bottle or sprayer.
The second option is to directly throw the leaves in boiling water, which will jump-start the maceration process. Firstly, boiling breaks down cell structure. After that, yeast drops in from the air around and gets right to work.
Let sit for 24 hours and spray on your plants.
Written by Gaspard Lorthiois | Loves helping out, especially when it comes to growing things. Worked in herbal medicine, runs a farm, and dabbles in tech. Master's degree and engineer.
