Neem oil is a natural remedy that can be used as a soil drench to control pests and diseases on plants. The plant absorbs the neem oil through its roots, which helps protect it from pests and fungus. Water plants with neem oil by adding it to your watering can or using it as a soil drench:
Neem oil can be used in aeroponics to control pests and prevent some bugs from evolving:
Mix the solution: A common ratio for mixing neem oil with water is:
½ tsp Neem Oil per 16 oz spray bottle & add 2-3 drops dish soap. Saturate leaves when lights are off. Be sure to apply under leaf.
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ow to use: Mix neem oil concentrate with water in a spray bottle, and test it on a small area of the plant before spraying the entire crop. Turn off grow lights before applying neem oil, and leave them off for at least an hour after. Reapply neem oil weekly until there are no signs of pests.
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Benefits: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can kill caterpillars, mites, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, grasshoppers, and scale insects. It can also prevent some bugs from evolving by causing them to molt when they eat the plant.Precautions: Neem oil can damage plants by burning their foliage, so don’t use it on recent transplants or stressed plants. Wear gloves and a mask to protect your skin and lungs.
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Neem oil productsSome recommend buying neem oil concentrate instead of a pre-mixed solution because it lasts longer. Look for a brand that uses a cold-pressed process to extract the oil and retain Azadirachtin.
Soil drench: Here are some tips for using neem oil for soil drenching.1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water, or 1–2 teaspoons per quart of water. You can also add a small amount of dish soap to help distribute the oil in the water.
Test on a small area: Before treating the entire plant, apply the mixture to a small test area.
Use warm water: Warm water is less likely to solidify the soil, but it’s still important to avoid water that’s too hot, which plants may not like.
Shake the bottle: Shake the bottle often while applying to keep the oil distributed throughout the mixture.
Apply regularly: For prevention, apply every 3 weeks, or every week for infestations.
Refrigerate: Remaining undiluted neem oil can be refrigerated for up to a year to slow its degradation.
Neem oil can control many types of pests, including ants, beetles, caterpillars, crickets, earwigs, grasshoppers, lacebugs, mealybugs, mites, and more. sticide, killing insects that feed on the plant’s foliage.
Foliar spray
Mist the entire plant with neem oil, making sure to cover the tops and undersides of the leaves and stems. This method is effective against pests and diseases.
Here are some tips for using neem oil:
When to use
Use neem oil on a dry, windless day when temperatures are at least 40°F. Avoid spraying if a freeze is expected.
Apply neem oil in the evening to avoid potential leaf burn, says Bunting.
What type of neem oil to use
For young insects, use cold-pressed neem oil. For adult insects and eggs, use clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil.
How often to use
Reapply the mixture as needed, following the label directions.
Safety
Wear gloves and a mask to protect your skin and lungs, as some people are sensitive to direct contact with neem oil.
Some sensitive plants that shouldn’t be treated with neem oil, for example, you should never use it on young or dehydrated plants.
Additionally, avoid using neem oil on peppers, beans, or peas, as well as on herbs, including basil, dill, cilantro, oregano, parsley, and thyme. “Also avoid leafy crops such as arugula, lettuce and spinach and avoid the cabbage family, including, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale,” says Bunting.