The “miracle tree,” or neem, has been used for medicinal and agricultural purposes for more than 4,000 years. It has been praised in India for its ability to protect crops from pests and diseases. Gardeners looking for a natural and safe way to protect their plants have been using neem oil more and more. We’ll take a look at the different types, benefits, and how to use neem.
Table of Contents
The Different Types
Oil
A versatile solution that is made from the pressing of neem seeds. It comes in two forms: regular and cold-pressed. Both types offer a natural and effective way to control pests and diseases.
Cake
A by-product of neem oil production, made from the residual neem seeds and kernels. As a fertilizer, neem cake can provide plants with essential nutrients and can also help control soil-borne diseases.
Leaves
Traditional Indian medicine have used neem leaves for centuries as a natural pesticide. When prepared as an insecticidal spray, leaves can provide effective protection for plants against harmful insects.
Extract
Made by boiling neem leaves or seeds to create a concentrated solution. As a natural insecticide, neem extract can be used to control pests and diseases in the garden. It is also versatile, with uses beyond gardening, such as in skin care and pet care products.
The Benefits of Using Neem Oil in Your Garden
One of the key benefits is the versatility of neem oil. For example, gardeners can use neem oil as a preventative spray to protect their plants from future pest or fungal infestations, or they can use it to treat an existing pest/fungal problem. It can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamentals.
This versatility makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who have a variety of different plants and want to use a single product for pest and disease control.
Neem Oil contains Azadirachtin, a chemical that is toxic to a wide range of plant pests and diseases. Azadirachtin is responsible for messing with the normal hormones and life processes. When aphids, thrips, and white flies ingest or come into contact, it affects their ability to feed, mate, and lay eggs.
This leads to a dramatic reduction in pest populations and will reduce the damage they cause to plants.
Azadirachtin also has compounds that interfere with fungal spore germination and growth, reducing the population of powdery mildew, black spot, and rust.
Safe for humans and pets?
As mentioned earlier, neem oil is a safe and organic alternative to chemical pesticides and also considered safe for humans and pets. It’s non-toxic and does not leave any residual chemicals in the environment that can harm humans or animals. Neem oil is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally in the environment. Be cautious of aquatic environments when mixing because the concentrate can be harmful to fish and others in very high doses.
How to Use Neem Oil in Your Garden
Things you will need:
- One gallon of water
- Spray bottle
- 1 tablespoon of concentrated, cold-pressed neem oil
- 1 teaspoon liquid soap (Castile)
- Optional: few drops of essential oils
Instructions on Emulsifying the Neem Oil
- Measure the neem oil and add to spray bottle: Depending on the concentration of the neem oil you have, the recommended amount per gallon of water can vary. Read the product label or contact company in which you purchased the concentrated neem oil to be sure.
- Add Soap: To help the neem oil mix with water, you’ll need to add a type of surfactant, such as Castile soap or an emulsifying agent.
- Mix the ingredients: Pour the neem oil and surfactant into the spray bottle and shake well to mix. It should look milky with no clumps. Then, fill the bottle full and shake the bottle again to thoroughly mix all the ingredients.
- Test the solution: Before using the neem oil solution on your plants, it’s a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Applying the Neem Oil
After the solution has been mixed, it is time to apply it to your plants. Neem oil is most effective when applied in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not as strong.
Cover every leaf, including the undersides, where pests are most likely to hide, with the solution (Neem+Soap+H20). Apply the solution thoroughly, but avoid applying too much, to prevent damaging the leaves.
Depending on the severity of the problem in your garden, you can repeat the application daily for 7 to 14 days.
Read the product’s label for the recommended application schedule.
The Cons of Neem Oil
Despite the fact that it is safe for people and pets, it may pose a risk to beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
When applying any insecticide, take a second to think about the safety of these insects because they play a crucial role in the garden as pollinators and pest predators.
May not be as effective against powdery mildew.
Summary
Neem acts as a garden superhero! It can naturally and safely protect your plants from a slew of diseases and pests, including aphids, mites, and black spot. Remember that sometimes a team of solutions is better than one. Learning to properly mix and apply the oil can save your plants and save you money. This miracle tree is one of the must-haves for a healthy and thriving garden, whether you’re an callused gardener or just getting planting your first seed. Good luck on your gardening journey!
