Paddy likes his chili and has his own secret recipe for a natural organic insecticide that keeps most garden nasties away.

Paddy’s Garlic Fire is very strong so you should dilute this mix with more water when applying to seedlings or sickly plants. No matter how much you use it shouldn’t make your vegetables taste of chili as long as you wash them well before eating.

• 6 hot or 10 mild chilies
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of liquid dish washing detergent
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups of water

blend the chili and garlic and water together as much as fine as you can so get the most ‘flavour’

Then add the oil and detergent and blend until mixed. The detergent will tend to foam up so don’t leave your blender unattended.

We tried using a mini-blender and it went everywhere so we recommend using a full size blender.

Strain the result through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter. If you don’t have either on hand, paper towel works well. Simply take two pieces of paper towel together, wet and then wring out carefully (it takes a bit of practice).

Once you’ve strained the liquid poor it into a jar for keeping. This is a concentrated recipe you can keep on the shelf. When you need it simply dilute 1/4 cup with two litres of water or more.

Poor diluted mix into a spray bottle and apply to plant leaves, stems and fruits.

Repels: Whitefly, caterpillars and slaters.