Don’t look further when you search for effective and safe insect and pest killers in your garden and plants. There is a neem oil for plants there it is going to solve your problem.
It’s a good biopesticide. One of the best neem oil uses is neem oil extracted from neem seed. It’s a natural pesticide it is usually found in seeds of the neem tree. The fruit changes color from yellow to brown. Bitter in taste. It’s getting used as a pesticide for decades back.
But on a large scale, it’s a little bit difficult because it has a short shelf life, photosensitivity, and volatilization.
One of the best neem oil uses harvested/made from seeds from the tree. As far as we know it has been used as a pesticide for hundreds of years.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica) is an evergreen tree species native to India. As discussed above Neem oil is a natural derivative of the neem tree, so it’s natural and organic. But we should always avoid overuse of it.
In India, People are using its leaves and flower juice in summer to avoid heat stroke in summer and for better health. It usually helps to improve the immune system and detoxify the blood.
Another Neem oil uses to make products like:-
Cosmetics
Shampoo
Soap
Synthetic pesticides can leave toxic residue behind that is harmful to the environment. Whereas neem oil is biodegradable and non–toxic.
It’s safe for other living beings around, It degrades after rain and under ultraviolet rays.
Table of Contents
Neem oil uses for plants
It is used as soil drenching which acts as both fertilizers and as a pesticide. Because it gets absorbed into the plant.
If any plant is going through root rot neem oil can prevent the further spreading of diseases.
In the case of nematodes neem oil also works by preventing larvae from hatching.
Neem oil is not as harmful to Earthworms as chemical pesticides.
It works as a repellent so it can be used for preventive measures in advance. One can spray two or one times a week. Just check for your plant that after spraying they are ok.
Formulation of dust, wettable powders, and granules can be made from neem oil for gardening and agriculture use.
While using it, always read label instructions to avoid exposure.
No data exactly was found that shows children are more sensitive to neem oil than adults.
Neem oil uses for pest control – do read below:
In the United States, neem-based BPCs were first approved for use on non-food crops in 1985. After subsequent testing, the environmental protection agency (EPA) regulated the use of Dihydroazadirachtin (DAZA), a reduced derivative of azadirachtin for use on food crops. In 1996 the EPA exempted raw agricultural commodities from meeting DAZA residue requirements, as long as the chemical is applied as an insect growth regulator or antifeedant at no more than 20gms/acre with a maximum of seven applications per growing season (EPA, 1997). The EPA only allows this exemption if approved commercial production products are used, food products treated with homemade extracts would not meet those requirements- Reference – https://winrock.org/factnet-a-lasting-impact/fact-sheets/use-of-neem-as-a-biological-pest-control-agent
Effects on the environment
Azadirachtin quickly breaks down in the soil. Its half-life in the soil is around 3-44 days.
Neem oil uses are non-toxic to Birds, Mammals, bees, and plants. And a little bit toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms.
How it works. It usually disturbs the hormone cycles of the insects, thus they can’t grow and lay eggs. It also helps to reduce nematode feeding.
But the exact role of all neem oil components is not known. Exactly inorganic fertilizers are made for farmers for easy application, to provide sufficient nutrients.
But problems occur when overuse starts to suppress its use of it. Overlimit use of non-recommended dose overrules may occur as toxic effects for both plants and soil.
Now the best part is to day pests have never built resistance against most organic fertilizers, neem is no different.
Always it’s good to apply neem oil in the early morning or late evening. If sprayed while the hard sun you may observe leaf burning.
If used within its limit it’s not harmless.
How to spray neem oil
Better to have protective wear, gloves, and a mask.
Garden spray, one container to make a mixture, water, neem oil, and mild dishwashing detergent liquid.
How to make neem oil for plants
First, take water in a bucket then add liquid dish wash mix them well and then add oil, mix thoroughly.
Neem oil for plant dosage: Use around 4 liters of water and one tablespoon of neem oil, and a pinch of mild dishwashing liquid. Better to have protective wear, gloves, and a mask.
Or does it as directed by the product manual?
Or
You need Garden spray, one container to make a mixture, water, neem oil, and mild dishwashing detergent liquid.
We use neem oil spray and while we make it we add some liquid soap, there is a chemistry behind it when we add mild detergent into the water it allows the water and oil to mix.
Because naturally water and oil don’t mix, so we need such an emulsifying agent. And such diluted detergent also acts as a garden pesticide.
If you are applying for preventive purposes you can spray it at intervals of 7-10 days, and if there is an infestation, reapply for a few days and spray like plenty till it drips off the plants. Don’t forget to wear gloves.
Find neem oil for plants online
- IFFCO neem oil for plants:
- Doctor Neem+ is used to protect plants from sucking pests such as Mealybugs, Aphids, Mites, etc. A first of its kind, this combination product brings in active ingredients from Neem, Pongamia, and Lemongrass, leveraging the goodness of all 3 in a single product. Pre-Emulsified, Doctor Neem+ is 100% Water Soluble. An organic and eco-friendly product, its regular use renders pest-free plants. Link: https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/iffco-urban-gardens-doctor-neem-23087327562.html
- Best-selling neem oil on Amazon below 350 Rs.
- Best selling Cold pressed neem oil for plants
NEEM OIL USES: Points to take note of for plants
Don’t use it in extreme weather like too cold or too hot.
Don’t make too much in advance for regular use, always make fresh one to get better results.
It’s a kind of fungicide you can use on fungal problems in the plant.
If the plant is not in good health or surviving replanting or else avoid spraying neem oil.
Not to use on too young plants.
Tools and stuff you used in neem oil spraying keep this safe away from the reach of children.
Disadvantages of buying Manufactured neem oil – it may contain some additional chemical compounds also, so they are not useful and can harm the plant also.
Some of these products also contain low amounts of Azadirachtin. We can make a solution by buying neem extract oil and then making it as described above.
Use neem oil biweekly for preventive measure
You can buy ready-to-spray neem oil insecticide from a shop or can make neem oil spray as described.
Neem oil and its pure content get used in more than a hundred pest control products. We should always follow instructions on the product labels to use.
Other neem oil uses like fertilizer
By product of neem oil that is neem cake is a very good nutrient source. By using it in the soil as fertilizer we can avoid root rot and other infections also.
Neem oil kills
Aphids, mealy bugs, whiteflies, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, thrips, fungus gnats, and other garden pests like spider mites and nematodes. Neem oil can also kill fungal diseases like powdery mildew, black spot, scab, anthracnose, and leaf spot.- Ref: www.masterclass.com
If we conclude
the best thing about neem oil uses as an insecticide is to use it when you think about avoiding chemical pesticides, and fungicides and want to do organic gardening & kitchen gardening. You can use it as both a preventive measure as well as a cure for infestation. Regular use at a defined interval is good but always be vigilant about plants and how they react after spraying neem when used for preventive use. Learn more like this about gardening – How to start a garden- A beginner’s guide [2022]
Reference :
20 Organic Neem Oil Uses for Garden: https://balconygardenweb.com/neem-oil-uses-for-garden-benefits/
Use of neem as a Biological Pest Control agent: https://winrock.org/factnet-a-lasting-impact/fact-sheets/use-of-neem-as-a-biological-pest-control-agent/
Neem oil effects on kitchen garden vegetables (http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html)
Reference – https://winrock.org/factnet-a-lasting-impact/fact-sheets/use-of-neem-as-a-biological-pest-control-agent
How to mix neem oil for plants?
First, take water in a bucket then add liquid dish wash mix them well and then add oil, mix thoroughly. Use around 4 liters of water and one tablespoon of neem oil. If you are applying for preventive purposes you can spray it at intervals of 7-10 days, and if there is an infestation, reapply for a few days and spray like plenty till it drips off the plants. Don’t forget to wear gloves.
How to make neem oil mixture for spary on plant ?
Use around 4 liters of water and one tablespoon of neem oil, and mild dishwashing liquid. Better to have protective wear, gloves, and a mask. Garden spray, one container to make a mixture, water, neem oil, and mild dishwashing detergent liquid. We use neem oil spray and while we make it we add some liquid soap, there is a chemistry behind it when we add mild detergent into the water it allows the water and oil to mix. Because naturally water and oil don’t mix, so we need such an emulsifying agent. And such diluted detergent also acts as a garden pesticide.
How to use neem oil for plants ?
We described it here in detail.
Can you use neem oil in the garden ?
Yes you can use neem oil garden as described in the article here with instructions
Where to buy neem oil for plants
You can buy neem oil from Agricultural products shops or Online, and farmers’ co-operatives, etc.
What plants not to use neem oil on ?
Plants that have a rough surface mean leaf hair, needles, and other types of arrangements that allow them to hide. And also avoid some maranta plants with fuzzy leaves.
Can you use neem oil on all plants?
Yes, you can except plants that have rough surfaces. Because pests can hide in rough leaf surfaces plants for example plants with leaf which has root hairs etc.
Can I spray my plant with neem oil everyday?
No, it’s harmful to the plant in a long run.
What is the ratio of neem oil to water?
Use around 4 litters of water and one tablespoon of neem oil, and pinch of mild dishwashing liquid.
Can I spray neem oil on soil?
Yes.
Can you put neem oil directly on plants?
Yes, we can spray them on plants as described above by making a solution.
Can neem oil affect birds, fish, or other wildlife?
Neem oil is practically non-toxic to birds, mammals, bees, and plants. Neem oil is slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Azadirachtin, a component of neem oil, is moderately toxic to fish and other aquatic animals. It is important to remember that insects must eat the treated plant to be killed. Therefore, bees and other pollinators are not likely to be harmed.
When should I give neem oil to plants?
Use neem oil biweekly for preventive measure.
How much neem oil per litre of water to use?
Use around 4 liters of water and one tablespoon of neem oil, and a pinch of mild dishwashing liquid. Better to have protective wear, gloves, and a mask.
How often to spray neem oil?
Use neem oil biweekly for preventive measures.