Using fresh and tasty home-grown vegetables for all my meals is something I simply love!
And if you are a gardening enthusiast like me, I’m sure you love that too! But if there’s a vegetable garden at home, there will be insects too.
So, you need to get rid of them to make sure your vegetables are perfectly healthy. And for that, you would require an efficient insecticide that will kill all those pesky insects with ease.
I have been maintaining my vegetable garden for years now and have tried lots of insecticides. Initially, I was utterly confused looking at the hundreds of options available, and not all products I chose offered desired results.
Hence, I can very well relate to your confusion, so I’m here to help you out with the experience that I’ve gathered.
Hey there! I’m Stacy Smith. And today, I’ll be reviewing the 5 best insecticide for vegetable garden.
So, let’s get going!
5 Best Insecticide For Vegetable Garden
1. BioAdvanced 701520A Gardening Concentrate
I was searching for a product that would be suitable for a large variety of vegetables when I came across this one from BioAdvanced. As a brand, BioAdvanced is known for its effective range of environment-friendly plant foods and pesticides. And I must say that this Gardening Concentrate is one of the best insecticides I’ve ever used.
Product Highlights
I found that on applying the product only once, there was a substantial impact on the plants in my garden. Notably, this insecticide provided season-long protection with one application and didn’t require spraying on the plants. What’s more, it provided systemic protection to all the vegetables, including carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and more.
Not only did the product kill insects that had infested many of the plants, it also prevented new infestations in the plants that were not affected. Thus, my garden got the all-round protection it needed, and that too at a very affordable cost.
Plus, this insecticide is effective on as many as 100 varieties of insects and pests. These include beetles, leafhoppers, psyllids, scale, whiteflies, thrips, and several others. So, as long as I had this product at home, I didn’t need any other insecticide for my vegetable garden.
What's There To Like About It?
I really liked the rainproof protection that this product provided, since the root system of the plats absorbed it completely. So, no matter how heavy the spell of rain was, the insecticide was never washed away. And the plants were protected to the tip of each leaf, which was splendid! Also, the insecticide was not depleted at all during irrigation, so I could water the plants as much as I wanted.
Besides, I loved the coverage of this product, as one pack covered as much as 640 square feet of vegetable garden area.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I ordered this product quite a few times, and what disappointed me was its faulty packaging. Often I found that the bottle cap was not sealed properly, which made the insecticide leak inside the package. Also, sometimes the bottle came with no bag or cover over the top but just a mailing envelope.
Pros and Cons of BioAdvanced 701520A Gardening Concentrate
Pros
Cons
- SPECIAL FORMULA: Specially-formulated to use on over 100 listed fruits, vegetables, and citrus plants to kill insects and prevent new infestations
- INSECT KILLER: Kills Asian Citrus Psyllids, Aphids, Whiteflies, and more
- SEASON-LONG PROTECTION: One easy application provides season-long protection without spraying
2. Natria 706230A Organic Miticide
Next, I’ve picked this Organic Miticide from Natria since I found it to be highly efficient. Being a purely organic product, it is approved as environment-friendly by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). It can be used on several vegetable plants and is also approved by OMRI to be safe for organic gardening.
Product Highlights
I could use this product on a number of vegetables in my garden including figs, beans, cabbage, and potatoes. And it could kill mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and many other insects effectively. So, what I got at the end of the growing season were lush green plants that bore healthy, vibrant, and tasty vegetables.
Further, the bottle came in a spray bottle that was ready for use, which made applying it quite easy. I just had to spray the product on all the plant parts once or twice every week to get the desired results. And it acted upon larvae, nymph as well as adult stages of insects and pests.
You can even spray the product during the harvesting season and till the day of harvest. This is an advantage compared to many other products which aren’t safe for use during the harvesting season.
What's There To Like About It?
I was glad to find that this product managed to kill the insects within minutes of its application. And it acted upon them through contact, so that insects present on all the parts are killed effectively. So, with this product, you need not worry about waiting for days to get the results. And it can also be used for vegetable plants that are part of your indoor garden.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Unexpectedly, I found that this product was not suitable for a few vegetable plants such as carrots. However, there were no cautionary words mentioned on the bottle. Just the day after I had applied it on the carrot plant in my garden, I noticed burn marks on all the leaves. Also, gnats were hovering over the plant, which meant it had no positive effect as such.
Pros and Cons of Natria 706230A Organic Miticide
Pros
Cons
- INSECT KILLER: Kills Aphids, Mealybugs, Mites, Whiteflies, and more
- FAST ACTING: Kills listed insects in minutes! Effective against adult, larvae, and nymph stages of pests
- EASY TO USE: Ready-to-Use bottle makes application easy
3. Monterey LG6150 Garden Insect Spray
This one from Monterey was really helpful in getting rid of all the caterpillars in my vegetable garden. It is also capable of killing many other varieties of insects and will always keep all your vegetables protected. Note that this insecticide has also been marked safe for organic gardening by OMRI.
Product Highlights
Natural solutions are always the best when it comes to taking proper care of any plant. And this product from Monterey is one such insecticide that uses natural ingredients to kill most kinds of insects infesting vegetable plants.
Notably, it consists of a bacterial ingredient that is prepared by fermentation to act on the plants very rapidly. Also, its natural composition makes this product completely safe for being used around pets and children.
Further, you can use it to remove a variety of insects and pests from vegetable plants, including fire ants, gypsy moths, borers, and tent caterpillars. Another aspect that I really liked was that it did not produce any foul odors unlike most of the insecticides out there.
What's There To Like About It?
The insecticide finds place among my top recommendations, thanks to the large amounts of spinosad, a natural bacteria found in it. This bacteria is being used currently in many agricultural products and is highly effective in killing most kinds of pests and insects. As such, you can rest assured of getting the best results for all your vegetable plants with this product.
Also, you can apply this product using a number of methods such as by spraying through hose-end sprayers, trigger sprayers, or backpacks. To ensure the use of the product in optimal quantities, do read the directions on the label.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although I didn’t face any major issue with this product, I noticed that it took more time than usual to act on fungus gnats. So, if you are using this product particularly for getting rid of these gnats, you need to wait for at least a couple of weeks. That said, the results are sure to impress you as it manages to kill all the insects on the plants.
Pros and Cons of Monterey LG6150 Garden Insect Spray
Pros
Cons
- Fast acting and odorless - Monterey insect Killer is a bacterial product produced by fermentation which rapidly treats plants and does not produce odors.
- Controls many insects - the insect treatment Spray controls caterpillars, leafminers, codling moth, tent caterpillars, gypsy moth, trips, borers, fire ants, and more.
- Variety of uses - this pest control can be used on outdoor ornamentals, lawns, vegetables, and also broadleaf weeds.
4. Bonide (BND857) Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray
Searching for a product which will act super quickly on the pests and insects in your garden? I’ve included this one in my list which fits the bill perfectly. In fact, it is one of the finest and quickest insecticides you can find out there, and can act on most insects that infest vegetable plants.
Product Highlights
I chose this product mainly since it contained pyrethrin, an organic compound found in chrysanthemums. Interestingly, this compound is among the best insecticides that are found occurring naturally and acts on insects by attacking their nervous system.
As for its efficiency, I found it to be quite effective in killing insects infesting my broccoli, asparagus, and spinach plants. Apart from these varieties, the product is effective on several other varieties of plants including bell peppers, beans, and tomatoes.
Plus, it can act on a number of insects such as webworms, aphids, leafhoppers, and beetles. You can even use this insecticide on vegetable plants till the harvest day. Be assured that your plants will be perfectly safe and won’t be affected by any burns.
What's There To Like About It?
I have tried lots of insecticides till now and have noticed that some products are not entirely absorbed by the vegetable plants, leaving behind a harmful residue. But this product poses no such threats since it is absorbed by the root system completely. Thus, your soil remains protected from any adverse effects, and your plants are in great shape!
Added to this, I found this product very easy to apply, as you can use a low-pressure sprayer, a sprinkler can, as well as a hand sprayer. Additionally, it dissolves in water very quickly, so you have the insecticide solution ready within minutes.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I observed that the product gave off a foul odor for the first few weeks after each application. So, for those of you who are using it for the first time, it might seem a bit suffocating initially. Also, another downside of using this pesticide is that you require spraying it directly on the bugs and insects.
Pros and Cons of Bonide (BND857) Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray
Pros
Cons
- Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray Concentrate from Bonide is a fast and effective way to kill aphids, beetles, webworms, leafhoppers and many other common garden insects
- Designed for use on asparagus, beans, broccoli, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, dogwoods, azaleas, begonias, roses, geraniums, plus ornamental trees and shrubs
- The active ingredient, pyrethrin, naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers and is considered to be one of the best biodegradable insecticides; pyrethrin kills and controls insects by targeting their nervous systems
5. Garden Safe Brand Houseplant & Garden Insect Killer
Next up, I’ll be reviewing this Garden Insect Killer from the well-known brand Garden Safe. Coming in a ready-to-use form, this product gives excellent results for all your vegetable plants, keeping them protected from most varieties of insects.
Product Highlights
First of all, I would like to point out the amazing ability of this product to kill the insects on contact. Containing botanical compounds, this insecticide acts on green fruitworms, aphids, tomato hornworms, and many other varieties of insects with immediate effect. As such, you can get much quicker results than most of the average products found in the market.
Additionally, this product is suitable for use on both outdoor and indoor plants. So, you need not buy a separate insecticide for the indoor vegetable plants, which would have meant extra investment.
At this point, I would like to offer you a tip. Note that the spray-bottle should be held at a distance of 18 to 24 inches from the part being treated. And you should thoroughly cover the lower and upper surfaces of the leaves for getting the best results.
What's There To Like About It?
The insecticide didn’t need any mixing and I could use it right after opening the package. This is a great advantage compared to many other products that require mixing with water in the prescribed proportion. So, those of you who prefer a hassle-free solution to your insect and pest problems, can go for this one.
Another great benefit of this product is that it will never cause any burns on the leaves if used as advised in the instructions.
What's There Not To Like About It?
This product does work wonderfully on most varieties of plants to relieve you from the insects once and for all. However, it may not always be properly packaged, which can lead to substantial damage during shipping. Sometimes, the bottle may be leaking, which can even cause half of it to be emptied. So, do remember to check the product as soon as it arrives.
Pros and Cons of Garden Safe Brand Houseplant & Garden Insect Killer
Pros
Cons
- CONTAINS BOTANICAL INSECTICIDES: Spray on roses, vegetables, houseplants, ornamentals, trees, shrubs and flowers right up to the day of harvest.
- KILLS ON CONTACT: Kills aphids, tomato hornworms, green fruitworms and other listed insects.
- PROTECTS YOUR WHOLE GARDEN: Use both indoors and outdoors.
Buyers Guide
Now that I’m done reviewing the top five products as per my experience, let me tell you something else. Try to choose the ideal product at this point and you’ll understand for yourself that the confusion still persists!
That’s because you’re still not aware of some of the important factors that need to be kept in mind before proceeding to make a choice. And that’s exactly what I’ll discuss in this section.
Read on to know all the deets.
1. The Insects
This is a primary consideration before you move on to choose an ideal insecticide. That’s because not all products can act equally well upon all insects.
So, do go through the product details carefully while you’re surfing through the product page. This way, you can be sure that the product is effective against the insect(s) infesting your plants.
2. Organic Or Chemical
There is a general perception that organic pesticides are not as effective as chemical ones. But this may not be the case always, which is evident from some of the products that I’ve reviewed today.
Many of the new products contain powerful strains of naturally occurring bacteria that act efficiently on the insects to kill them completely. On the other hand, if you choose to go for a chemical insecticide, it might leave behind a harmful residue.
3. The Time Taken
The time required for an insecticide to act on the infested plant is also important. While some products require a few days, or even a couple of weeks to act, others can kill the insects on contact.
From my experience, I can tell you that going for a product that takes a few days wouldn’t be a loss, as people generally think. If the ingredients are powerful enough, then you’ll see the desired results within a few days.
4. The Form
Like fertilizers, insecticides are also available in liquid, dry dust, or granular form, so you need to decide which one will be more convenient for you.
Notably, liquid insecticides act quicker since they transmit the main ingredient to the plant directly to address the problem. You should spray liquid products directly on the stems, root zone, or foliage of the plants to kill all the active insects and pests.
On the other hand, granular fertilizers need to be sprinkled on the problematic area and should be stored in closed canisters. Most of the granular products are broad-spectrum remedies that can treat soil-level pests effectively. But they may also harm beneficial bugs, which may have adverse effects on the soil and, in turn, on the plants.
Lastly, the dry dust variety must be applied evenly, especially on the lower surface of each leaf. These products can be easily applied with garden dusters that mix the product in an air stream and dispense it in a cloud. As such, the plant is evenly coated with the insecticide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the insecticide manufactured nowadays are safe for vegetable gardens. That’s because they are prepared while following the safety guidelines set by different regulatory organizations.
For instance, the majority of products available currently are approved by OMRI as being safe for organic gardening. Still, you should always check the details of any product, including its ingredients and application instructions to be certain about its safety.
Generally, there is not much change in the nutritional value of any vegetables which have been treated with insecticides. However, occasionally they might impart a different flavor to some vegetables. This is not very common, but if you find the smell coming from the home-grown vegetables to be too strong, it’s time that you bring home another product.
Some plants do take up certain insecticides used previously. A product that is meant to be absorbed by the plants and then transmitted to its other parts to control insects is called a systemic insecticide.
For instance, a systemic product which is applied to the soil may be beneficial in controlling insects that feed on leaves. To determine whether a product is systemic or not, you must carefully go through the directions of use or consult the extension office in your country. Also, while using any product, pay attention to the root crops planted in the soil where it has been used recently.
My Final Recommendation
That’s all the time I have for you today!
I hope you’ll be more confident in choosing the best insecticide for vegetable garden now.
But before you proceed, here is a piece of advice. Do go through the application method for each of the products that you consider. That way, you’ll be able to understand whether the particular product would be convenient for you. On that note, I’d like to sign off by highlighting my favorites from the list.
In my opinion, the Monterey LG6150 Spray is the best budget buy and can act on a variety of insects with ease. On the other hand, if you are searching for a product that will give you quick results, the Bonide (BND857) Pyrethrin Spray is the perfect option to go for.
With that, I’ll take my leave. See you soon!