Natural pest control?

Hello, forum. I am asking a classic beginner question...

What are some natural ways to keep pests like aphids
and mealy bugs away from my plants? I have tried the
soap and oil method, which damaged my plants. I have
also tried, coffee grounds, pepper, salt, and ginger spray.

My father (who was raised on a farm), recommends alcohol.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

-Regards, Zhan

Look into Neem oil.

So sorry you damaged some plants when trying to keep pests at bay by using natural methods,
My own view on that would be perhaps you either over did the strength of oil and to strong a soap or dilution was not done properly but please don't give up, we all make these mistakes as new gardeners, we think more is good whether using home made products OR chemical help from store, we automatically thing best give a really good strong mix, or we are using the wrong stuff for the problems we have.

I find for Aphids the kitchen washing up liquid soap is best BUT, it wont cure a heavy infestation, if I find it's too much for the soap, I just try gently to crush the Aphids between my fingers and thumb before I use the soap mixture, then go every day to spray till the Aphids are more under control. you must make sure you spray the underside of the leaves also as that's where most hide as well as at the growing tips on the stems as these tender new growths are yummy to any sap feeding bugs.

As regards the Alcohol, it is ideal for mealy bugs and any hard coated bugs that attach themselves very firmly to the leaf, usually the underside and hard to get to places, these difficult places are chosen to try prevent predators from feeding on them or the young / eggs ect, but the Alcohol is for most unsuitable for reproduction and feeding of these bugs and they are also prevented from breathing, and normally kills them instantly. I have used this method often when required and I normally use a cotton wool swab dipped in Meth ???? a solution you would use for swabbing a cut finger and contains Alcohol. Just hold the leaf in one hand and turn the leaf to swab the back of the leaf, gentle but firm strokes, don't rub the leaf or you could cause bruising to the leaf structure and the Alcohol would penetrate the leaf structure OR if a heavy infestation, you could use a fine misting of the Alcohol to help BUT the swabbing helps remove the bug with the cotton wool swab all in one go. Another thing to try is crushed Garlic infused in hot water, allow to cool and strain the garlic from the water now smelling of garlic, ALL aphids hate garlic and my dad, like your's was a great grower using natural methods, and he used to plant garlic cloves along a row of Beans that always attracted Black fly but took off after he planted the Garlic, also he planted it in the planting hole for Roses and no greenfly and he swore the roots of the Rose took up the Garlic so the foliage was left free of nibbles. I still do this for Luck !!!! LOL.
Both Salt and Coffee grounds can damage the soil and harm the roots of plants, don't know about the Ginger, I know a lot of people use coffee grounds BUT I think it is best to add them to the compost heap and allow them to loose some acidity but each to their own.

Hope this helps a little and you don't loose your enjoyment at the first hurdle into gardening, there are many folks here on the site who will help you out with the many more questions you will have as you gain more experience, we all had to learn somewhere and after many, many years, I still learn new things each season while visiting the Dave's Gardening Site. Good luck
and Kindest Regards. WeeNel.

My friend so sorry for your damage. I know only one suggestion to your problem. Release ladybird because they feast on Aphids. You can purchase the larvae in packs and then follow instructions, before releasing them.

Great Idea from James, all I would add is, don't do both, spray AND release the ladybird larva because, the new hatchings wont survive the spraying, adult ladybirds will just move on and not go near the sprayed area so do still try attract wildlife into your garden where the birds, insect predators and beetles will also help you out, what you need to do is go to library and find a good book on gardening without chemicals and there will be loads of pictures with hint's and tips on how to have a echo friendly garden, it's just knowing what is an enemy and what is a gardeners friend.
Good luck and best Regards.
WeeNel.

@WeeNel & James; Thanks so much for the detailed input. You've both helped
a great deal. I think I will try the alcohol method first, as I am a bit limited as to
which supplies are readily available on this little island (Mauritius). Also, I was
curious if either of you knew of any good ebooks for gardeners? Thanks guys.

I am 24 now and have recently gotten into gardening. I am really enjoying the
journey and hope I can land a decent tomato crop sometime in the future. : )

- Kind Regards

Cant help you with anything like ebooks though, sorry wish my computer knowledge was better than just emails, searches and shopping for plant suppliers LOL, hope others can help you with that though.

As regards your gardening journey, just take your time, there is no rushing around in gardening, it's meant to be a relaxing hobby unless you are studying it as a subject for Proper qualifications then I guess you better get a few sleepless nights under your bely LOL.

Over the autumn and winter months it is a good time to send off for any bulb, plant or veg catalogues as they are full of info and pictures.
Do you have a library open to the public in your area as they will have or be able to share from other Public Library books on gardening, look for books that suit beginners though and written in easy to follow English as some gardening books are way too technical for the average gardener to understand but to be honest, these type of books are written for well qualified gardeners who understand the technical / science or biology of the threads these authors are selling their books to BUT they usually have beautiful pictures.

Is there any gardening clubs in your area, advertise in store windows or school notice boards for like minded people BUT be careful of people as you are an adult, err on the side of care and safety, research all folks who say they do gardening clubs ect,

Good luck and try enjoy this new hobby, it does not have to cost a lot as seeds are very cheap compared to buying plants full grown. or you may find someone to swap seeds with by post.
Kindest Regards.
WeeNel.