Research: Pepper

Well more specifically the effect of black pepper when used in gardening, a natural pesticide. I came across this by trying to figure out if planting pepper had any effect on soil.

Apparently ground up black pepper will repel cats, dogs, and many insects including ants. The ants are repelled since pepper has capsaicin. Cats and dogs (as well as other animals) dislike the taste of black pepper as well. It also has antibacterial properties so bacterial infections and fungi don't affect the plants.

Black pepper is used by either sprinkling it around plants or mixing it into the soil from the beginning. If you want to use it as a spray, mix half a teaspoon of black pepper with warm water and put it in the spray bottle. Then just spray the plant.

Black pepper is a preferable solution to other pesticides since it is natural, does not contaminate groundwater, is safe for animals (humans included), and you can still eat the plants (if they are edible) afterward with no harmful effects (unless you're allergic).

Websites I used:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/pepper-tested-as-natural-pesticide-1.381535

https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-000669_01-Oct-04.pdf

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/effects-black-pepper-plants-29308.html

https://www.thealternativedaily.com/home-uses-for-black-pepper/

See you next week!!