Are you looking for a natural and effective way to control pests and diseases in your garden during the dormant season?
Neem oil might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. This versatile oil can be used as a dormant-season application to kill overwinter pests and eggs, or as a foliar spray to repel and kill insects during the growing season.
But before you start spraying, it’s important to understand the benefits and limitations of neem oil as a dormant spray. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using neem oil as a dormant spray, including how to mix and apply it, its effectiveness against common pests and diseases, and any potential drawbacks or risks to consider.
So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of neem oil!
Can I Use Neem Oil As A Dormant Spray?
Yes, you can definitely use neem oil as a dormant spray. In fact, neem oil is a great natural alternative to petroleum-based dormant oils, which are commonly used to control pests and diseases during the dormant season.
Neem oil works by suffocating and disrupting the life cycle of insects and pests, making it an effective solution for controlling overwintering pests and eggs. It can also be used as a foliar spray during the growing season to repel and kill common pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and leafhoppers.
To use neem oil as a dormant spray, mix 1 gallon of water with 2 tablespoons of concentrated neem oil or use a ready-to-use solution. It’s best to prepare the neem oil before bud break in late winter or early spring when the tips of buds are green. Make sure not to apply if the temperature falls below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is a natural and organic solution used as a pesticide against insects, mites, or fungi that may be damaging to your plants. It is derived from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to India, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and agriculture.
Neem oil is safe to use because it does not harm humans or animals, and it’s even safe for most wildlife since its insecticidal properties are targeted to specific pests that damage garden plants. It is also a popular ingredient in the cosmetics industry due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Commercial neem oil solutions are available for purchase, but they may be less potent than homemade versions. To make your own neem oil mixture, mix the neem oil concentrate with water according to the label instructions. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to your plants by spraying it on the leaves or wiping it on with a cloth.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil As A Dormant Spray
Using neem oil as a dormant spray has several benefits. Firstly, it is an effective way to control overwintering pests and eggs that can cause damage to plants during the growing season. Neem oil can kill insects at varying stages, from eggs to adult pests, making it a versatile solution for pest control.
Secondly, neem oil is a natural alternative to petroleum-based dormant oils, which can be harmful to the environment and may have negative effects on beneficial insects and organisms. Neem oil is safe for the environment and does not harm birds, bees, butterflies, lady beetles, earthworms, or other soil-loving creatures.
Thirdly, neem oil can be used on a variety of plants and crops, including fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and hydroponic plants. It can also be used on sensitive plants that may not tolerate other types of oils or pesticides.
Lastly, neem oil has additional benefits beyond pest control. It can help prevent fungus and other leaf diseases when applied as a foliar spray or leaf shine. It’s particularly effective against spider mites, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, neem oil is high in nutrients and can help improve soil health when applied to the soil.
How To Mix And Apply Neem Oil As A Dormant Spray
Mixing and applying neem oil as a dormant spray is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose a pure neem oil product that is organic and carries the OMRI seal as a verified organic product. One recommended product is Neem Bliss, which is 100% pure and carries the OMRI seal.
2. Mix one ounce of neem oil for every gallon of water in a sprayer. Add in a few drops of liquid dish soap to the mix and stir. The dish soap helps allow the mixture to adhere to the foliage and stems of plants, acting as an oil agent.
3. Fill your chosen pump sprayer with just under one gallon of water – about a quart shy. Depending on how many and how large of plants you’re working with, scale up or down as needed.
4. If you want to use aloe vera powder in this foliar spray, add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon to your gallon of water now. Cap the sprayer, and shake thoroughly.
5. Next, it is time to emulsify the neem oil. In a small container, such as a half-pint jar or little beaker, combine 1 tablespoon of neem oil with either 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or 1 teaspoon of pre-made liquid silica solution described above. Stir thoroughly to combine. This should create a creamy thick yellow liquid.
6. Fill a clean quart jar about three-quarters full with warm water. Pour in your neem soap/silica solution. Cap the jar, and shake it thoroughly until fully mixed.
7. Finally, pour the warm quart of neem solution in with the water that is already in your sprayer to create your final diluted mixture. Cap, and shake well to mix.
When applying the neem oil spray, make sure to thoroughly wet both sides of leaves with the spray, as some bugs hide on the underside of leaves. Apply in the morning or evening when the temperature is below 80F and avoid spraying when rain is expected shortly after application.
As a pesticide: To control an infestation, apply the neem Oil spray every 7 days until the bugs are gone.
As a preventative spray: To prevent attacks from pests on your plants, be proactive in applying the neem oil spray every 14 days interval during the dormant season.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively use neem oil as a dormant spray to control pests and diseases in your garden without harming beneficial insects or pollinators.
Effectiveness Of Neem Oil Against Common Pests And Diseases
Neem oil is effective against a variety of common pests and diseases that gardeners face. It can control tent caterpillars, leaf rollers, and other caterpillar eggs that remain on plant leaves during winter. It’s also effective against aphids that cause leaf curling in the following spring, mites that overwinter on plant leaves, and scale insects.
During the growing season, neem oil can be used to control common pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and leafhoppers. It’s also been shown to repel and disrupt the life cycles of spider mites and root-knot nematodes. These life cycle disruptions lead to reduced populations and eventually extermination. Overall, neem is reported to inhibit the feeding of 170 insect species and inhibited the growth of insect species in four different orders.
Neem oil can also be used as a fungicide against rust, black spot, mildew, leaf spot, scab, anthracnose, blight, and botrytis. Its antifungal properties make it an effective solution for preventing and controlling various plant diseases.
One of the best things about neem oil is that it does not harm beneficial insects or soil-loving creatures like bees, butterflies, lady beetles, and earthworms. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to control pests without harming the environment or disrupting the delicate balance of their garden ecosystem.
Potential Drawbacks And Risks Of Using Neem Oil As A Dormant Spray
While neem oil has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks and risks associated with using it as a dormant spray.
Firstly, neem oil can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms. While it is non-toxic to birds, mammals, and bees, it’s important to avoid using neem oil near bodies of water or in areas where it could potentially run off into water sources.
Secondly, neem oil can cause phytotoxicity or plant damage if applied during high heat or when evaporation is reduced due to cloudy, rainy, or very humid weather. It’s important to avoid applying neem oil during temperatures above 85°F as the risk of phytotoxicity is high. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the plant is not drought-stressed before applying the oil.
Thirdly, neem oil may not be effective against all pests and diseases. While it can be effective against overwintering pests and eggs, it may not be as effective against adult pests. It’s important to use neem oil sooner rather than later to prevent pest infestations from becoming too severe.
Lastly, neem oil may not be suitable for all plants. Some plants may be sensitive to neem oil and may experience phytotoxicity or other negative effects. It’s important to test a small area of the plant first before applying neem oil more widely.
Using Neem Oil As A Foliar Spray During The Growing Season
During the growing season, neem oil can be used as a foliar spray to control pests and diseases. It’s important to note that neem oil should not be used during the hottest part of the day, as this can cause the mixture to evaporate too quickly and potentially damage the plant. Instead, apply neem oil in the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler.
To make a neem oil foliar spray, mix 1 gallon of water with 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil and a small amount of liquid soap as an emulsifier. It’s important to test a small area of each plant first to make sure they are not sensitive to the mixture.
Once you’ve determined that your plants are not sensitive to the neem oil mixture, thoroughly mist your indoor and outdoor plants, making sure to spray directly onto plant leaves. As a preventative measure, apply neem oil every two weeks. If you’re trying to control an active pest infestation, spray your plants with neem oil once a week.
It’s important to note that adding too much neem oil to your mixture may cause leaves to burn if they are in direct, harsh sunlight for most of the day. Additionally, avoid spraying new seedlings with neem oil as they could also burn. To avoid this, make small batches of neem spray on the same day you intend to use it.
In addition to controlling pests, neem oil can also combat fungi and bacteria that cause diseases on vegetables and fruit. Spray trees outside of their blooming season every two weeks until bud break. Then hold off, and resume after the flowers drop.
