Are you tired of pesky pests ruining your plants? Look no further than eco neem oil!
Derived from the neem tree, this natural product has been used for centuries to control pests and promote healthy plants. But how do you apply it effectively?
In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks for using eco neem oil as a soil drench, pesticide, and even a leaf shine. Plus, we’ll give you a recipe for making your own neem oil mixture on the cheap.
Say goodbye to those pesky pests and hello to thriving plants with eco neem oil!
How To Apply Eco Neem Oil?
When it comes to applying eco neem oil, there are a few different methods depending on your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of how to use eco neem oil effectively:
What Is Eco Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Eco neem oil is an organic insecticide made from extracts of the neem tree, specifically Azadirachtin A & B, and mixed with other plant oils to enhance its stability and shelf-life. It is registered for use on ornamental plants only and is approved for use by Australian Organic.
Eco neem oil works in multiple ways to control a broad range of chewing and sucking insects, including aphids, mites, mealybugs, and whitefly. Its two main actions are suppression of insect appetite, which starves the insects to death, and restricting growth, which prevents them from moulting successfully. As soon as the insect ingests eco neem oil, plant damage stops, but insect death may take several days depending on their size and type.
Eco neem oil is safe for pets, birds, lizards, and beneficial insects including bees. However, it should be avoided around ponds and in aquaponics as it can be harmful to fish.
To use eco neem oil effectively, first identify the pest you’re dealing with. Eco neem oil is labeled for use on soft-bodied pests such as aphids, beetle larvae, caterpillars, leaf hoppers, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies. Next, mix eco neem oil with water and a mild dish detergent to create an emulsion that will effectively mix the oil. The recommended ratio is 2-3ml/L for most pests.
When applying eco neem oil, make sure to cover all parts of the plant and spray the undersides of leaves where pests can hide and lay eggs. Unlike many pesticides that continue working after application, eco neem oil has no effect after it dries since it’s biodegradable and breaks down quickly into harmless components.
While eco neem oil won’t harm beneficial insects or birds, it’s toxic to fish and other aquatic creatures. Therefore, it’s important to apply the spray carefully and follow all label directions for application to avoid harming beneficial insects and water habitats.
Eco neem oil is also effective against fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and blackspot. It works by preventing new spores from germinating. While it won’t completely get rid of these diseases, it can reduce their spread enough that your plants can continue growing.
Using Eco Neem Oil As A Soil Drench
Using eco neem oil as a soil drench is an effective way to protect your plants’ roots from soil-dwelling pests and diseases. To make a soil drench, you need to mix the oil with water and an emulsifying agent, such as a mild dish detergent, to ensure that it mixes well with the water.
To make the soil drench, start by emulsifying warm water with a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap or pure castile soap. Once the water is emulsified, add one teaspoon of 100% percent cold-pressed raw neem oil to a quart of your emulsified water or 2 tablespoons to a gallon of your emulsified water. Mix thoroughly and apply the solution around the base of your plants.
It’s important to note that you should only make as much as you need, since the mixture will go bad after only a few days. You should also water the soil first before applying the mixture to ensure that it absorbs well into the soil.
Using eco neem oil as a soil drench is particularly useful for plants that are affected by nematodes in the soil, such as tomato plants and potatoes. By applying the solution every two to three weeks, you can protect your plants’ roots and ensure their overall health.
Applying Eco Neem Oil As A Pesticide
One of the primary uses for eco neem oil is as a pesticide to control insect pests on plants. Before applying the oil, it’s important to identify the specific pest you’re dealing with and ensure that eco neem oil is an effective solution for that particular pest. Once you’ve determined that eco neem oil is appropriate, you can follow these steps to apply it as a pesticide:
1. Mix the eco neem oil solution according to the instructions on the packaging. The concentration of the solution will vary depending on the type of application you’re using (foliar spray, soil drench, etc.), so be sure to read the label carefully.
2. Choose a time of day to apply the eco neem oil when there is no direct sunlight on the plants. This will help prevent any burning or damage to the leaves.
3. Use a sprayer to apply the eco neem oil evenly over all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves where pests often hide.
4. Be sure to cover all parts of the plant thoroughly but avoid drenching it with the solution. A light mist is all that’s needed to coat the leaves.
5. Wait at least 7-10 days before applying another light application of eco neem oil. This will allow time for the pesticide to build up its effectiveness.
6. Repeat applications as necessary until the pest infestation is under control.
It’s important to note that eco neem oil is not harmful to humans or most wildlife, but it can be toxic to fish and other aquatic creatures. To avoid harming beneficial insects and water habitats, be sure to apply the spray carefully and follow all label directions for application. Additionally, each plant species can react differently to various pesticide formulas, so it’s recommended to test a single leaf before applying the spray to the whole plant in case of adverse reactions.
Using Eco Neem Oil As A Leaf Shine
Eco neem oil can be a great natural alternative to chemical-based leaf shine products. Not only does it give your plants a healthy shine, but it also helps to remove any buildup of dust and dirt that can block the leaves’ ability to photosynthesize. Here’s how to apply eco neem oil as a leaf shine:
1. Dilute the eco neem oil: Mix a small amount of eco neem oil with water in a spray bottle. The recommended ratio is 1 teaspoon of eco neem oil concentrate and 1 teaspoon of mild soap per liter of warm water.
2. Spray the mixture onto the leaves: Spray the diluted mixture onto the leaves of your plant, making sure to cover both the top and bottom of each leaf. Be sure to get into every nook and cranny.
3. Wipe down the leaves: After spraying, gently wipe down each leaf with a soft cloth to remove any excess mixture and to help remove any buildup of dust and dirt.
4. Allow the leaves to dry: Keep your plant out of direct sunlight until the leaves are completely dry.
5. Repeat as necessary: Depending on your plant’s needs, you may need to repeat this process every few weeks to maintain its healthy shine.
Remember, eco neem oil is a natural product and can help with the treatment of pests, but it is not a registered pesticide. It is completely safe to use around children and pets and won’t harm any beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and ladybugs. By using eco neem oil as a leaf shine, you can help keep your indoor plants looking their best while also promoting their overall health and well-being.
Making Your Own Eco Neem Oil Mixture At Home
If you’re interested in making your own eco neem oil mixture at home, it’s actually quite simple. The first step is to gather the necessary ingredients, which include neem oil, water, and an emulsifier such as mild liquid soap. It’s important to choose high-quality, pure neem oil that is cold-pressed and free from any solvents or chemicals.
To create the mixture, you’ll need to mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of neem oil concentrate with 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap and 1 liter of tepid water. It’s recommended that you test the mixture on a leaf or two before using it on the whole plant to ensure that there’s no damage. Once you’ve confirmed that the mixture is safe for your plant, douse it with the neem oil spray, making sure to get both the top and bottom of the leaves as well as every nook and cranny.
After applying the spray, it’s important to keep your plant out of direct sunlight until the leaves are dry. You should continue to use the spray every few weeks until you no longer see any signs of pests.
One advantage of making your own eco neem oil mixture is that it can be more potent than a store-bought spray since you can carefully select high-quality neem oil and add more of it to the mixture. Additionally, creating your own mixture ensures that it’s free from any harmful chemicals or contaminants.
To create a general-purpose neem oil spray, mix 5 mL of neem oil, 2 mL of liquid soap, and 1 liter of water. This mixture can be used to fight hundreds of pests and prevent or kill certain fungi.
Tips For Using Eco Neem Oil Effectively
1. Read the product label carefully before using eco neem oil. It’s important to understand the instructions and precautions before applying the product to your plants.
2. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid any contact with the oil. This will prevent any potential skin irritation or eye damage.
3. Dilute the eco neem oil if necessary. Some products may come in concentrate form and require dilution before use. Make sure to follow the recommended dilution ratio on the product label.
4. Spray the entire plant, including leaves, stems, and soil, with the eco neem oil solution. Make sure to cover all surfaces until they are completely wet and dripping.
5. Apply eco neem oil once a week until there are no more signs of pests on the plant. This will help control pest infestations without harming the environment.
6. Clean the leaves before applying eco neem oil if they are dirty or have residue buildup. Use a soft cloth or a little water and detergent-free dish soap to wipe the leaves clean.
7. Use eco neem oil as a natural leaf shine product by spraying a diluted mixture onto the leaves and gently wiping them down. This will help remove any dust or dirt buildup and give your plants a healthy shine.
By following these tips, you can effectively use eco neem oil to control pest infestations and keep your plants healthy without harming the environment. Remember to always check the product label and take necessary precautions when using any type of pesticide or insecticide on your plants.
