Infusion

You can make an infusion from almost any plant, vegetable or herb. An infusion is a fast
        and simple way to get immediate relief from pest or disease attacks on your plants. This
        often times will provide pest and disease protection and you will not need to make any
        thing stronger. Learn to blend different plants to achieve best results. Pour boiling
        water on to the leaves, flowers, roots or seeds placed in a cooking pot or container.
        Allow to steep for 1 hour. Stirring well. pour through a strainer. Label for use later.
        Can be bottled. Store in cool dark place. Use 1/2 to 1 ounce of the material in a pint of
        water. For best results do not boil. Twigs, stems, roots can also be used in this way,
        except that you should cut up into small pieces. Always use glass, porcelain or enamel
        cooking utensils if possible.

Decoction

This is made by simmering the part of the plant, etc., in a nonmetal container, from 1/2 hr up to 2 hr. depending on the materials and its use. Always start out with more water then you need to allow for evaporation. Always use filtered water if possible. This method is used for extracting the active ingredients. Store in a dark colored glass. Label for later use. Makes a much more concentrated mixture. This mixture is made when a strong mixture is needed to provide a sure kill or control of the pest or disease in mind. Great care must be taken when using not to upset the eco-balance. This mixture will kill beneficials as well as pests. Many store bought items fall into this category.

Tincture

A tincture is an even more concentrated extract in a liquid form. It is made through a process of using a natural liquid that will dissolve the extract into a thick liquid form. You can use alcohol as a base, then evaporate the alcohol leaving behind a strong extract. You can also use citrus oils, vegetable oil, coconut oil, etc., for this purpose. Wine and other alcohol will also work well. Tinctures are good for making enough of a batch to control a large area or to use on a number of places. Tinctures are also used with in-line feeding systems. A 1 ounce tincture can be enough to provide 50 gallons for spraying.

The Invisible Gardener Says: A little goes a long way

Extract

An extract that is 10 times more concentrated then the tincture. Extracts can be made through many different processes from steam, high pressure, evaporation by heat, or cold percolation. Here we have usage at the 1 drop per gallon levels. Available in stores. Tabasco sauce is such an extract.

Last Update: March 13, 2013

Dont Panic Its Organic!

The Invisible GardenerŠ, Andy Lopez
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