{"product_id":"ecoworm-potassium-soap-horticultural-soap","title":"Ecoworm Potassium Soap | Organic Pest Spray \u0026 Garden Cleaner","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you garden organically (or want to), \u003cstrong\u003eEcoworm Potassium Soap\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most properly useful sprays you can have on the potting shelf. A genuinely effective natural treatment for the soft-bodied pests every gardener meets — aphids, whitefly, red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars, sawfly larvae — made from sunflower-oil-derived potassium salts, fully biodegradable, and certified organic by the Organic Farmers \u0026amp; Growers (OF\u0026amp;G). Safe for edibles, bees and ladybirds when used properly. The everyday spray that lets you actually control pests without resorting to chemicals you'd rather not have anywhere near your salad bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cstrong\u003eEcoworm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Irish-based eco-pest-control specialists. We stock their potassium soap because it does the job properly — not just \"eco-marketed\", but genuinely tested, OF\u0026amp;G certified, and trusted across the organic gardening community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it actually does\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium soap works mechanically, not chemically. When sprayed on soft-bodied pests, the soap dissolves their protective waxy cuticle and disrupts their cell membranes — the pest dehydrates and dies. Because it relies on physical contact rather than chemical poison, there's no toxic residue left on the plant, no long-term soil contamination, and no withholding period of weeks before you can eat your produce. It's the proper way to do everyday pest control in an edible garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat it tackles:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAphids\u003c\/strong\u003e — the workhorse use; greenfly, blackfly, the classic spring rose and broad-bean pest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhitefly\u003c\/strong\u003e — particularly the greenhouse menace on tomatoes, peppers, brassicas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed spider mite\u003c\/strong\u003e — the dry-air greenhouse pest that turns leaves stippled and dusty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScale insects\u003c\/strong\u003e — the small armoured pests on bay, citrus, and houseplants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWoolly aphids\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cottony white masses on apple trees, beech and elder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaterpillars\u003c\/strong\u003e — the smaller ones; cabbage white, sawfly larvae, gooseberry sawfly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEarwigs\u003c\/strong\u003e — on dahlias, clematis, and similar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMealybugs\u003c\/strong\u003e — the cottony houseplant and greenhouse pest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEffective only against \u003cstrong\u003esoft-bodied pests\u003c\/strong\u003e — hard-shelled beetles (vine weevil adults, ground beetles) and the larger thicker-skinned pests aren't affected. For those, biological controls (like our Ladybird Plant Care nematodes) or physical methods work better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy it's properly organic-garden friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOF\u0026amp;G certified organic\u003c\/strong\u003e — the leading UK organic certification. Means you can use it on certified-organic plots without breaking the rules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant-based ingredients\u003c\/strong\u003e — sunflower oil potassium salts, nothing synthetic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFully biodegradable\u003c\/strong\u003e — breaks down completely; no soil residue, no water-system contamination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe for ladybirds, bees and other beneficials when applied correctly\u003c\/strong\u003e — spray in early morning or evening when pollinators aren't active; avoid spraying directly on flowers in bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo withdrawal period for toxicity reasons\u003c\/strong\u003e — the 5-day pre-harvest interval is best-practice rinsing time, not because the product is dangerous. You can safely eat treated plants once any visible residue is rinsed off\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvides secondary potassium\u003c\/strong\u003e — the potassium content gives a small nutrient boost to the plant; modest but genuine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo build-up of resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e — because it works by physical action, pests can't evolve resistance to it the way they do to chemical insecticides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo ways to buy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTwo variants for two kinds of use:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpray bottle 500ml ready-to-use\u003c\/strong\u003e — \u003cstrong\u003e£14.00\u003c\/strong\u003e. Pre-diluted, fitted with a sprayer, ready to grab off the shelf and use immediately. The right choice for occasional use, smaller gardens, or houseplants. No mixing, no measuring, no hassle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcentrated bottle 1L\u003c\/strong\u003e — \u003cstrong\u003e£15.00\u003c\/strong\u003e. Dilute 200–600ml per 10L of water depending on pest severity. Works out significantly cheaper per litre of usable spray (1L of concentrate makes 17–50L of working solution), and the right choice for serious vegetable gardens, allotments, fruit cages, or anyone doing regular preventive applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor most home gardeners, the 500ml ready-to-use is the starting point. If you find yourself using it regularly through the growing season, switch to the 1L concentrate — significantly better value for active gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it properly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor preventive care:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpray every \u003cstrong\u003etwo weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e through the active growing season (April-October), particularly before known pest pressure periods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpray \u003cstrong\u003eboth sides of the leaves and stems\u003c\/strong\u003e, until the surfaces are just wet (not dripping)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply from \u003cstrong\u003eabout 30cm distance\u003c\/strong\u003e for even coverage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen pests appear:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpray \u003cstrong\u003e3–4 times, one day apart\u003c\/strong\u003e, or as needed to reduce the infestation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepeat the treatment cycle \u003cstrong\u003e8–10 days later\u003c\/strong\u003e if the pest population recovers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure thorough coverage — the soap only works on contact; pests it doesn't touch survive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpray in \u003cstrong\u003eearly morning, evening, or on cloudy days\u003c\/strong\u003e — avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch on wet foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid spraying in \u003cstrong\u003ewindy or rainy weather\u003c\/strong\u003e — coverage is poor, and rain will wash the soap off before it works\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow a \u003cstrong\u003e5-day interval\u003c\/strong\u003e before harvesting treated edible plants (best practice; not toxicity-based)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon'ts:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't spray \u003cstrong\u003edirectly on open flowers, fruit, or berries\u003c\/strong\u003e — the soap will damage flower tissue and leave residue on edibles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't spray when \u003cstrong\u003ebees and other pollinators are active\u003c\/strong\u003e — the soap is mostly safe but direct contact during application can affect them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't use on \u003cstrong\u003every young or stressed plants\u003c\/strong\u003e at full strength — dilute further if applying to seedlings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't expect it to work on \u003cstrong\u003ehard-shelled pests\u003c\/strong\u003e — it's for soft-bodied insects only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe double use as garden cleaner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the more useful surprises about potassium soap is that it doubles as a properly effective \u003cstrong\u003enatural cleaner\u003c\/strong\u003e for the garden:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreenhouse glass and frames\u003c\/strong\u003e — removes algae, sooty mould, and the accumulated grime of a season. Use diluted; sponge or spray onto surfaces, leave 1–3 minutes, rinse off\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGarden tools\u003c\/strong\u003e — cleans spades, trowels, secateurs without harsh chemicals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant pots and containers\u003c\/strong\u003e — removes white limescale deposits and accumulated grime from terracotta and plastic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolytunnel surfaces\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGarden furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e — gentle on wood, effective on grime\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves themselves\u003c\/strong\u003e — gently removes sooty mould (the black fungus that grows on honeydew left by aphids and whitefly)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne bottle, multiple uses. Good value for an organic gardener's shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it fits in our organic gardening range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePotassium soap is one of the key pieces of our \u003cstrong\u003eorganic pest control\u003c\/strong\u003e approach — alongside biological controls, pollinator support, and integrated pest management (IPM). The complete picture:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pests\u003c\/strong\u003e (vine weevil larvae, chafer grubs, codling moth, ants) — controlled by our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pest-control\"\u003eLadybird Plant Care biological nematodes\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoft-bodied above-ground pests\u003c\/strong\u003e (aphids, whitefly, mites, scale) — Ecoworm Potassium Soap (this)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlug and snail prevention\u003c\/strong\u003e — encouraging birds (with our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/wildlife-bird-care\"\u003eChapelWood feeding stations\u003c\/a\u003e) and frogs (with a small pond or boggy corner)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollinator support\u003c\/strong\u003e — planting pollinator forage (\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pollinators\"\u003ePlants for Pollinators range\u003c\/a\u003e) and providing water (our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/decorative-bee-drinker-cuppy-for-water-or-seed\"\u003eDecorative Bee Drinker Cuppy\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHealthy soil\u003c\/strong\u003e — peat-free organic composts from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/multi-purpose-welsh-compost\"\u003eDandy's\u003c\/a\u003e, plus the natural fertility of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/comfrey-seeds\"\u003ecomfrey\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/borage-seeds\"\u003eborage\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, these form a properly integrated organic gardening approach — pollinators encouraged, beneficials protected, soft-bodied pests controlled without chemicals, soil pests managed biologically, and birds and frogs welcomed as natural allies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ecoworm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Horticultural potassium soap (insecticidal soap)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive ingredient:\u003c\/strong\u003e Potassium salts of fatty acids (sunflower oil-derived)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertification:\u003c\/strong\u003e OF\u0026amp;G certified organic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariants:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpray bottle 500ml ready-to-use — £14.00\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eConcentrated bottle 1L — £15.00\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDilution (concentrate):\u003c\/strong\u003e 200–600ml per 10L water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-harvest interval:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 days (best practice; not toxicity-based)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTargets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aphids, whitefly, red spider mite, scale insects, woolly aphids, caterpillars (small), sawfly larvae, earwigs, mealybugs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlso use as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Garden tool cleaner, greenhouse surface cleaner, sooty mould remover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA small thought: organic gardening isn't about being purist or making things harder for yourself. It's about choosing the methods that work without leaving toxic residues on the things you eat or breathe in the things you spray. Potassium soap is one of those genuine equivalents to chemical pest control — works on the pests it claims to work on, doesn't leave a chemical fingerprint, doesn't accumulate in soil, doesn't harm the bees you've worked hard to attract. The grown-up choice for the cottage garden, the allotment, and the kitchen window-box. Keep a bottle on the shelf; you'll reach for it more often than you think.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Between Two Thorns","offers":[{"title":"Spray bottle 500ml","offer_id":57144540365177,"sku":"sku-52595370885458","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Concentrated bottle 1L","offer_id":57144540397945,"sku":"sku-52595370918226","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/IMG_3772.jpg?v=1777136290","url":"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/ecoworm-potassium-soap-horticultural-soap","provider":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}