Are you a plant enthusiast looking for a natural way to keep your plants healthy and thriving?
Look no further than neem oil! This powerful oil has been used for centuries as a natural pesticide and fungicide, and it’s easy to use.
But how much neem oil should you add per litre of water? It can be a bit confusing, with different recommendations for different applications.
In this article, we’ll break down the dosages for various neem oil applications and provide you with some easy-to-follow recipes for making your own neem oil mixture.
So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
How Much Neem Oil Per Litre Of Water?
The recommended dosage for neem oil per litre of water is 1:100, which means 1ml of neem oil to 100ml of water. For example, if you have 250ml of water, you should add 2.5ml of neem oil.
It’s important to note that the active ingredients in neem oil begin to decompose after being mixed with water, so it’s best to mix only the amount that you want to use immediately. Additionally, the mixture is most effective within 24 hours, so it’s best not to store it for too long.
For foliar sprays, which are the most common application of neem oil, you should use between 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 ounce or 3-6 teaspoons) per gallon of water. For young plants, it’s best to use the smaller amount as their dermal layer is still very tender and easily burned. Older plants can accept any amount in this range, but it’s important to check if your plant has any sensitivities to neem before using a larger amount.
If you’re making a mild 0.5% basic neem oil spray, you’ll need 5ml (1 teaspoon) of neem oil, 1 liter of warm water, and 1-2 ml (1/3 tsp) of mild liquid soap or another mild detergent. Mix the soap and water in a bottle or container and shake well to ensure the soap is completely dissolved. Then add in the neem oil and shake again. It’s that simple!
For general garden use, the most common concentration is 0.5-1%. However, you can experiment with higher doses such as 2%, but be sure to add water if you increase the concentration.
Understanding Neem Oil And Its Benefits For Plants
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and is known for its many benefits for plants. It is commonly used as a natural pesticide and fungicide, as it can help control a wide range of pests and diseases.
One of the main benefits of using neem oil is that it is safe for use on edible plants, making it a popular choice for organic gardeners. It works by disrupting the hormones of insects, preventing them from feeding and breeding. This makes it effective against soft-bodied pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
In addition to its pest control properties, neem oil also has antifungal properties that can help prevent and control fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot. It does this by preventing new spores from germinating, which can reduce the spread of these diseases.
Another benefit of using neem oil is that it can help improve the overall health of your plants. It contains over 70 compounds, many of which have insecticidal or repellent properties. These compounds can help boost the plant’s immune system, making it less susceptible to pests and diseases.
When using neem oil on your plants, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and application instructions. As mentioned earlier, a few millilitres of neem oil per litre of water are usually enough to keep your plant healthy and thriving. Additionally, it’s important to cover all parts of the plant when applying neem oil, including the undersides of leaves where pests can hide and lay eggs.
Dosages For Neem Oil As A Pesticide
When using neem oil as a pesticide, the dosage will vary depending on the type of plant and the severity of the infestation. As a preventative measure, a 0.5% concentrated solution should be sprayed once a fortnight. For an existing infestation, a 0.5% concentrated solution should be sprayed once a week until the problem is gone, then switch to a 0.5% solution every fortnight.
To make a mild 0.5% basic neem oil spray, mix 5ml (1 teaspoon) of neem oil with 1 liter of warm water and 1-2 ml (1/3 tsp) of mild liquid soap or another mild detergent. For foliar sprays, use between 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 ounce or 3-6 teaspoons) per gallon of water.
It’s important to note that neem oil’s active ingredients begin to decompose after being mixed with water, so it’s best to mix only the amount that you want to use immediately. Additionally, the mixture is most effective within 24 hours, so it’s best not to store it for too long.
When spraying neem oil as a pesticide, ensure that all the leaves are coated, especially the undersides where insects like to hide. If your garden seems to need a stronger solution, you can experiment with higher doses such as 2%, but be sure to add water if you increase the concentration. Reapplication is key as it will take time for the neem oil pesticide to build up effectiveness.
Dosages For Neem Oil As A Fungicide
Neem oil can also be used as a fungicide to prevent and treat fungal diseases in plants. The recommended dosage for neem oil as a fungicide is 1:500, which means 1ml of neem oil to 500ml of water. This is a much weaker solution compared to the dosage for insect control.
To make a neem oil fungicide spray, mix 5ml (1 teaspoon) of neem oil with 2.5 liters of warm water and 5ml (1 teaspoon) of mild liquid soap or another mild detergent. Mix well and apply to plants every two weeks to prevent fungal diseases. If you are treating an existing fungal infestation, you can increase the concentration to 1:250 (2ml of neem oil per 500ml of water) and apply once a week until the problem is resolved.
It’s important to note that neem oil may not be effective against all types of fungal diseases, so it’s best to identify the specific disease affecting your plant and research whether neem oil is an appropriate treatment. Additionally, neem oil should not be used in combination with sulfur-based fungicides as it may cause phytotoxicity (plant damage).
Dosages For Neem Oil As An Insect Repellent
Neem oil is a well-known natural insect repellent that can be used to control a wide range of pests in your garden. The dosages for neem oil as an insect repellent vary depending on the concentration of the spray you’re using and the severity of the infestation.
For a preventative measure, use a 0.5% concentrated solution and spray once every two weeks. This should help prevent any insect problems from occurring in the first place. For an existing infestation, use a 0.5% concentrated solution and spray once a week until the problem is gone. Then switch to a 0.5% solution every two weeks to maintain control.
If you’re using neem oil as a foliar spray, mix between 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 ounce or 3-6 teaspoons) per gallon of water. For young plants, it’s best to use the smaller amount as their dermal layer is still very tender and easily burned. Older plants can accept any amount in this range, but always check if your plant has any sensitivities to neem before using a larger amount.
If you’re making a mild 0.5% basic neem oil spray, you’ll need 5ml (1 teaspoon) of neem oil, 1 liter of warm water, and 1-2 ml (1/3 tsp) of mild liquid soap or another mild detergent. Mix the soap and water in a bottle or container and shake well to ensure the soap is completely dissolved. Then add in the neem oil and shake again. It’s that simple!
Remember to always check the product label carefully before using neem oil and wear gloves and protective eyewear if you know you risk making contact while applying neem oil. Cold-pressed neem oil needs to be mixed in a spray bottle, and it’s important not to make more than you need as the oil’s effectiveness will break down within 8 hours.
Recipes For Making Your Own Neem Oil Mixture
Making your own neem oil mixture is easy and cost-effective. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Precautions And Safety Measures When Using Neem Oil
Although neem oil is considered safe for use on plants and is non-toxic to birds, mammals, and bees, there are still some precautions and safety measures to keep in mind when using it.
Firstly, it’s important to wear protective gloves when handling neem oil as it can cause skin irritation in some people. If you accidentally get neem oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
Neem oil should not be ingested or inhaled as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and respiratory problems. Keep neem oil out of reach of children and pets.
When spraying neem oil, avoid spraying it on windy days or when the temperature is above 90°F as this can cause the oil to evaporate too quickly and reduce its effectiveness. It’s also important to spray the plants evenly and thoroughly, covering both the tops and bottoms of the leaves.
Lastly, it’s important to note that neem oil should not be used in conjunction with other pesticides or fungicides as this can lead to negative interactions and harm your plants. Always read the label carefully before using any products on your plants.
