Top 5 essential oils for abundant organic harvests

Are you a passionate gardener or farmer, eager to grow tasty vegetables and fruits while respecting the environment? But despite all your efforts, you are sometimes confronted with diseases, pests or deficiencies that threaten the health and productivity of your organic crops.

At Landema.com, we are convinced that there are natural, effective and biodiversity-friendly solutions to help you obtain generous and quality harvests, without resorting to chemical pesticides. Among them, essential oils are precious allies of the organic gardener and farmer, still too little known.

Discover in this article our selection of the 5 best essential oils to boost your vegetable garden, orchard and fields in 100% organic mode. We will explain their multiple benefits for your plants, how to use them optimally, as well as the precautions to respect. You will see that by integrating them judiciously into your practices, alongside other ecological methods, you will be able to say goodbye to synthetic treatments and enjoy tasty and healthy vegetables and fruits.

What you will find in this article:

Here are the 3 key points to remember from this article on the best essential oils for a productive organic garden:

1- The 5 essential essential oils to naturally boost organic harvests are:

• Winter Savory (Satureja montana), fungicide against mildew, powdery mildew, scab
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), insecticide and repellent against aphids and other insects
• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis), repellent against whiteflies and spider mites
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), stimulant of the plants' natural defenses
• Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), sanitising and invigorating for plants

2- For effective and safe use, you must:

• Choose 100% pure, natural and preferably organic essential oils
• Dilute them in water with a little liquid black soap before spraying
• Apply them at low doses in the morning, spacing treatments 3 weeks apart
• Wear gloves, concentrated oils can be irritating to the skin

3- Well dosed and used with caution, essential oils allow to:

• Stimulate the growth and vigor of plants
• Protect against fungal diseases and insect pests
• Strengthen the natural defenses and resistance of crops
• Sanitise the foliage and environment of plants; they are valuable allies of the organic gardener and farmer for healthy and abundant harvests, in addition to other ecological practices.

In summary, this article provides practical advice for judiciously using the best essential oils to naturally optimise the health and productivity of an organic vegetable garden, orchard or crops, while limiting risks. An approach that is both effective, safe and respectful of the environment.

 

1- Winter Savory essential oil

Winter Savory (Satureja montana) is an aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, whose essential oil has powerful fungicidal properties. It is one of the best allies of the organic gardener to effectively fight against the main fungal diseases that attack crops:

• Mildew, scourge of tomatoes, potatoes, squash
• Powdery mildew which affects cucurbits, roses, vines
• Scab and leaf curl that damage fruit trees
• Moniliosis on cherry, plum, peach trees

Rich in carvacrol and thymol, Winter Savory essential oil acts both preventively and curatively against these fungi. In synergy with other essential oils such as Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Thyme thymol (Thymus vulgaris) or Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus), it helps stop their development and strengthen the plants' natural defenses.

Here is a treatment recipe based on Winter Savory essential oil to protect your crops:

• Mix 20 drops of Winter Savory essential oil in 1 L of water with 1 tablespoon of organic liquid black soap.
• Spray on the foliage as soon as the first symptoms appear, in the morning in dry weather.
• Renew every 10 days alternating with other essential oils if needed.

Well dosed and applied regularly preventively, Winter Savory essential oil will help you significantly reduce the damage of fungal diseases, for healthier crops and more abundant harvests, naturally.

 

2- Peppermint essential oil

Who doesn't know Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), this very aromatic perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family? But did you know that its essential oil is an excellent ally of the organic gardener to fight against insect pests?

Indeed, the powerful smell of Peppermint effectively repels many pests that attack vegetables and aromatic plants:

• Aphids, real scourges of vegetable gardens
• Whiteflies or whiteflies
• Mites like spider mites
• Midges and thrips

Sprayed regularly preventively at low doses on crops, Peppermint essential oil, rich in menthol, disrupts these sucking insects and limits their damage, without eliminating them completely to preserve the ecosystem balance.

In addition to its insect repellent properties, Peppermint also has fungicidal properties complementary to those of Winter Savory. Combined, they reinforce the protective action against diseases such as powdery mildew or mildew.

Finally, this invigorating essential oil stimulates the growth and vigor of young plants, to give them a boost.

Here is a recipe for a natural insecticide based on Peppermint essential oil for your organic vegetable garden:

• Mix 30 drops of Peppermint essential oil in 1 L of water with 1 teaspoon of organic vegetable oil.
• Spray on plants as soon as the first insects appear, targeting the underside of leaves.
• Renew every 5 days until the pests disappear.

Well used sparingly, Peppermint essential oil is therefore a valuable ally to naturally protect your crops from harmful insects and diseases, while stimulating their growth. Enough to harvest beautiful organic vegetables in abundance!

 

3- Sweet Orange essential oil

You surely know Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) for its juicy and fragrant fruits. But did you know that the essential oil extracted from its peel is an excellent ally of the organic gardener or farmer?

Very rich in limonene, it has indeed powerful insect repellent properties against many flying pests that can attack your crops:

• Vegetable flies like the carrot fly
• Midges and other small flying insects
• Ants and wasps that can damage fruits
• Spiders and mites

Sprayed as a repellent around sensitive crops, Sweet Orange essential oil disrupts these pests and keeps them away for a long time, without harming pollinators and other useful garden auxiliaries.

Combined with Winter Savory or Oregano essential oil, it also reinforces the fungicidal action against diseases such as scab, leaf curl or moniliosis. Its aromatic molecules provide natural protection for plants.

Finally, Sweet Orange essential oil is a very invigorating oil that stimulates the plants' natural defenses and sanitises the soil. A few drops in the irrigation water are enough to revitalise weakened plants or young seedlings.

Here is a recipe for a natural repellent based on Sweet Orange essential oil for your organic vegetable garden and orchard:

• Mix 50 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil in 1 L of water with 1 tablespoon of liquid black soap.
• Spray generously around sensitive plants and on the soil, preferably in the evening.
• Renew every 3 days preventively or after each rain.

Sweet Orange essential oil is therefore a very versatile ally to naturally protect your organic crops against flying insects, reinforce the fungicidal action and invigorate your plants.

 

4- Geranium essential oil

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a very fragrant perennial plant, whose leaves give off a characteristic scent reminiscent of rose. Its essential oil is a real health ally for your organic crops.

Very rich in geraniol and citronellol, it has excellent properties to strengthen the plants' natural immune defenses against external aggressions:

• Biotic stresses: diseases, pests, competition
• Abiotic stresses: drought, deficiencies, injuries

Sprayed regularly preventively on the foliage, it stimulates the defense reactions of plants and helps them to better resist and adapt to difficult conditions.

Geranium essential oil is also healing and purifying. It promotes the healing of wounds and the prevention of bacterial or fungal diseases that could develop there. A real natural "bandage" for your plants!

Finally, this tonic and energising essential oil boosts the growth and vitality of crops by stimulating their metabolism. A few drops are enough to reinvigorate puny or tired plants.

Here is a recipe for a foliar fortifier based on Geranium essential oil for your organic garden and crops:

• Mix 20 drops of Geranium essential oil in 1 L of water with 1 teaspoon of organic vegetable oil.
• Spray on leaves and stems once a week, preferably in the morning.
• Space treatments 3 weeks apart and alternate with other stimulating essential oils like Sweet Orange.

Geranium essential oil is therefore a valuable ally to strengthen the immune defenses of your organic plants, help them heal in case of injury and stimulate their growth.

 

5- Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a large tree native to Australia, whose leaves give off a very pleasant fresh and lemony scent. Its essential oil is also a faithful ally of the organic grower.

Very concentrated in citronellal, it has powerful sanitizing and purifying virtues for plants:

• It eliminates pathogenic microbes, bacteria and fungi
• It detoxifies plants and stimulates their immune system
• It purifies the air and the environment of crops

Sprayed preventively on the foliage and soil, it creates a healthy and balanced environment, unfavorable to the development of diseases.

Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil also helps plants better resist water stress and deficiencies. Its very antioxidant molecules protect plant cells and optimise the absorption of water and minerals. A real health booster!

Finally, this zesty essential oil wonderfully combines with the other essential oils mentioned to enhance their benefits. It multiplies the fungicidal, insect repellent and fortifying action of your synergies, while bringing a very fresh touch.

Here is a recipe for a revitalising treatment based on Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil for your organic crops:

• Mix 15 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil in 1L of water with 5 drops of Geranium essential oil.
• Spray on plants once a month, preferably in cloudy weather.
• Alternate with other fortifying treatments according to the needs of your crops.

Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is therefore a very versatile ally to sanitise your organic crops, help them better resist stress and optimise the action of other essential oils.

 

Usage Tips and Precautions

Essential oils are substances highly concentrated in active molecules. They therefore require some precautions for effective and safe use in the organic garden:

Choose your essential oils well

Always opt for 100% pure, natural and preferably organic essential oils. This guarantees the absence of pesticide residues and an optimal concentration of active ingredients. Beware of ready-made blends whose composition is not clear.

If possible, favor essential oils sold by recognised suppliers for their seriousness and their commitment to the environment such as Landema.com, specialist in the online sale of essential oils directly from the producer. The traceability and quality will be better.

Respect dilutions and dosages

Essential oils must always be diluted before use on plants. A few drops are enough, too high a concentration can be toxic.

In general, it is recommended to mix 20 to 30 drops of essential oil in 1 L of water, with 1 tablespoon of organic liquid black soap which will serve as an emulsifier. Adapt the dilution according to the sensitivity of your plants.

Apply at the right time

Generally spray your preparations in the morning, in dry and windless weather, directly on the foliage of the plants. Avoid the hottest and sunniest hours which risk burning the leaves.

The absorption of essential oils is done through the leaf stomata, not through the roots. It is therefore useless to put them in the irrigation water, except for a sanitising purpose for the soil.

Space out treatments

Even natural, essential oils remain powerful substances. Used too often, they can tire and stress plants.

Space applications at least 2 to 3 weeks apart, and alternate with other natural treatments if needed (manure, black soap, baking soda...). Give your plants time to recover between two sprayings.

Do preliminary tests

Before treating your entire vegetable garden or orchard, always do a test on a small area of foliage. Some plants may react differently to essential oils.

Wait 48 hours and observe: if you do not notice any particular reaction (burn, yellowing...), you can treat in larger quantities. Otherwise, dilute a little more or change the essential oil synergy.

Protect the environment

Even if they are natural and biodegradable, essential oils can have an impact on the garden ecosystem if used excessively.

Think of the useful insects and microorganisms in the soil. Target the pests without trying to eliminate everything. The goal is to restore a balance, not to make a desert.

Vary the essential oils and plant associations, promote biodiversity, install insect shelters... So many complementary ecological practices for a naturally healthy garden.

In summary, essential oils are wonderful allies of the organic gardener and farmer, provided they are well chosen, used sparingly and in a reasoned way. They do not replace good cultivation practices, but complement them effectively. So get your bottles, and long live natural gardening!

 

Essential oils, partners of your harvests

You will have understood, essential oils have more than one trick up their sleeve to help you obtain beautiful and tasty organic harvests. Thanks to their multiple properties, they stimulate the growth of your plants, protect them from diseases and pests, strengthen their natural defenses.

But be careful to use them according to the rules of the art: quality essential oils, respected dilutions, spaced applications, protection of the environment... With a few precautions, you will fully benefit from their benefits in the vegetable garden as well as in the orchard.

Do not hesitate to train yourself, to exchange your experiences with other organic gardeners, to share your successes and your recipes for natural treatments. Essential oils are a vast subject that only asks to be deepened to always garden better with nature.

And if you liked this article, see you very soon for new avenues of ecological gardening and use of essential oils on the Landema.com blog. You will discover how to combine essential oils with other natural techniques to take care of your garden, yourself and the planet. A beautiful 100% organic adventure to share!