Black pepper is a common spice used in cooking and known for its health benefits, such as aiding digestion. In the field of gardening, black pepper can also help plants grow healthily in various ways, making it recommended to sprinkle some black pepper in your garden.
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Express, black pepper has several clever uses in the garden. Firstly, it serves as an efficient natural insecticide. Unlike chemical insecticides, black pepper can repel or kill various pests, such as caterpillars, without harming other animals.
A study from the University of Ottowa in Canada found that black pepper is effective in controlling pests like pine sawflies and eastern tent caterpillars. It takes effect within 24 hours, sometimes even outperforming synthetic insecticides.
Compared to most synthetic insecticides, black pepper has many advantages. It does not pollute groundwater, poses no harm to humans or other animals, and insects do not develop resistance to it.
Another benefit of black pepper is its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hence, it can be used to combat mold, diseases, and decay – making it ideal for use in greenhouses or areas that require frequent watering and good ventilation.
Since plants face various bacterial diseases, black pepper can serve as a natural antibacterial to help plants fight against a range of fungal and bacterial infections.
Mixing black pepper into the soil of plants makes it harder for bacteria to grow in the soil and within the plants. Plants absorb the components of black pepper, providing further protection. It can be used to fight bacterial infections in plants or as a preventive measure.
An article on House Digest’s website also highlights the powerful effects of black pepper in helping plants combat aphid infestations.
The article writes, “These tiny sap-sucking pests are a nuisance to many gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts. Aphids come in various colors, such as green, black, or pink, invading your plants rapidly, leaving a trail of destruction. They suck plant juices, making the plants weak and potentially spreading plant diseases.”
A study published in the journal Molecules in 2021 indicated that black pepper oil exhibits significant insecticidal effects, with an 80% mortality rate when used against peach aphids, a global aphid species known for its strong resistance.
You can mix a small amount of black pepper oil with water, perhaps adding a drop of mild detergent to help adhere it to plant leaves. Test the mixture on a small inconspicuous area of the plant first. If the solution seems effective, you can reapply after several days, especially in anticipation of rain.
The article also mentions that black pepper can be used to repel ants. The compound piperine in black pepper seems to catch ants off guard. A study published in 2017 showed that black pepper has a good repelling effect on odorous house ants. Even though this study did not test more ant species, the results are still encouraging.
You can sprinkle black pepper powder directly in areas where you notice ant activity to effectively repel them. For better repelling and even killing of ants, prepare a black pepper spray – mix black pepper or black pepper essential oil with water, then place in a spray bottle.
Next, spray this black pepper solution generously along known ant trails and areas where they frequently gather. Be sure to spray this solution regularly, especially after cleaning or rainfall, as these conditions can wash away the spray, reducing its effectiveness.