Are you tired of pests and diseases ruining your beautiful marigolds? Look no further than neem oil, a natural and effective solution.
But how do you properly apply it to your plants? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of mixing and spraying neem oil on your marigolds, as well as provide tips on timing and dosage.
Plus, we’ll explore which plants are tolerant of neem oil and which ones to avoid. Say goodbye to harmful pesticides and hello to healthy marigolds with neem oil.
How To Put Neem Oil On Marigolds?
To apply neem oil to your marigolds, you’ll need to mix 1 ounce of neem oil with 1 gallon of water in a garden sprayer. Make sure to mix thoroughly before spraying your plants.
It’s important to apply neem oil before pests have gotten out of hand, as it takes several weeks before you’ll begin to notice the effects of spraying. Coat your marigolds with the spray about once a week to keep bugs from successfully eating them.
However, be careful not to apply too much neem oil as it can add stress to your plants. Monitor their leaves to ensure they stay healthy. Different commercial neem products have varying amounts of the active ingredients, so it’s important to read through the instructions to ensure you use it correctly. As a general rule, use about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
The best time of day to apply neem oil is in the morning or evening, otherwise, you risk burning the plants by putting a liquid on them when the sun is at its strongest. Neem oil should be stored in a cool dark place when not in use. The refrigerator is often the best place to store neem oil, as it will last up to two years when chilled.
What Is Neem Oil And Why Is It Effective On Marigolds?
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that comes from the seeds, bark, and leaves of the neem tree, which is native to India. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is now widely used as a pesticide in agriculture. Neem oil is effective on marigolds because it works by disrupting the feeding and reproductive cycles of insects. When sprayed on marigolds, it deters over 200 insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles.
One of the reasons neem oil is effective on marigolds is that it only affects insects that eat leaves. This means that beneficial garden creatures like bees, birds, and earthworms are not affected by the spray. Additionally, neem oil leaves no toxic residue and is safe for people and pets.
However, it’s important to use neem oil correctly to avoid damaging your marigolds. Neem oil can burn plants if applied during daylight hours, especially during hot summer months. Late afternoons or early evenings are best for spraying plants with neem oil since there’s enough sunlight for visibility but plenty of time for the neem oil to dry before things heat up outside.
Preparing Neem Oil Mixture For Marigolds
To prepare the neem oil mixture for marigolds, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure to use 100% cold-pressed and unfiltered neem oil. This type of neem oil is the rawest form and will be the most effective in treating pests and diseases on your marigolds.
Next, fill a 16-ounce spray bottle or a garden sprayer with warm water from your tap. Add 1 ounce of neem oil to the spray bottle and a few drops of dish soap. The dish soap will help the neem oil mix with the water and coat your marigolds more evenly.
After adding all the ingredients, put the lid on the spray bottle and shake it well. This will help to mix the solution thoroughly so that it’s ready for use. It’s important to shake the bottle well every time before using it, as neem oil tends to separate from water.
When you’re ready to apply the neem oil mixture to your marigolds, make sure to spray both sides of the leaves thoroughly. Some pests hide on the underside of leaves, so it’s important to make sure you cover all areas of the plant. Avoid spraying your marigolds in the afternoon when the temperature is above 80F, as this can cause them to burn.
It’s important to note that neem oil is an organic and natural product, so it may take several weeks before you see results. Be patient and continue to apply the mixture once a week until you notice that pests are no longer present on your marigolds.
Timing And Dosage Of Neem Oil On Marigolds
When it comes to timing and dosage of neem oil on marigolds, it’s important to apply the oil before pests have gotten out of hand. This is because it takes several weeks before you’ll begin to notice the effects of spraying.
To mix the neem oil solution, you’ll need to combine 1 ounce of neem oil with 1 gallon of water in a garden sprayer. Make sure to mix thoroughly before spraying your plants. As a general rule, use about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, but be sure to read the instructions on your specific commercial neem product as they may vary in their active ingredient concentrations.
Coat your marigolds with the neem oil spray about once a week to keep bugs from successfully eating them. However, be careful not to apply too much neem oil as it can add stress to your plants. Monitor their leaves to ensure they stay healthy.
The best time of day to apply neem oil is in the morning or evening, when the sun is not at its strongest. Otherwise, you risk burning the plants by putting a liquid on them during peak sunlight hours.
When not in use, store your neem oil in a cool, dark place such as the refrigerator. This will help it last up to two years. By following these guidelines for timing and dosage, you can effectively use neem oil on your marigolds to keep them healthy and pest-free.
Plants Tolerant To Neem Oil And Ones To Avoid
When it comes to using neem oil on plants, it’s important to know which ones are tolerant and which ones are not. While neem oil is generally safe for organic gardening, some plants may be more sensitive to it than others. Here’s a list of plants that are tolerant of neem oil and those that should be avoided:
Plants Tolerant To Neem Oil:
– Marigolds (as mentioned earlier)
– Roses
– Zinnias
– Sunflowers
– Petunias
– Geraniums
– Snapdragons
– Chrysanthemums
Plants To Avoid Using Neem Oil On:
– Herbs such as basil, caraway, cilantro, dill, marjoram, oregano, parsley, or thyme (as mentioned earlier)
– Delicate or wispy-leaved plants such as arugula, lettuce, peas, and spinach (as mentioned earlier)
– Plants with hairy leaves such as ferns and begonias
– Plants with waxy leaves such as succulents and cacti
– Plants with thin or sensitive leaves such as fuchsias and impatiens
It’s important to note that even hardier plants with tougher foliage can be burned or killed if neem oil is not used correctly. Always follow the instructions on the product label and test a small area of your plants before applying neem oil to the entire plant. If you notice any negative effects on the test area, do not proceed with spraying the entire plant.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil On Marigolds
Using neem oil on marigolds has several benefits. Firstly, neem oil is effective in preventing and treating a variety of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, black spot, anthracnose, rust, and mildew. These diseases can be a major problem for marigolds and can cause significant damage to the plant. By using neem oil, you can protect your marigolds from these diseases and keep them healthy.
Secondly, neem oil is an effective insecticide against a wide range of pests that can damage your marigolds. These include aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, cabbage worms, gnats, moths, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, and scale. Neem oil works by repelling insects with its bitter taste or by killing them outright. By using neem oil on your marigolds, you can prevent insect damage and keep your plants healthy.
Thirdly, neem oil is completely safe for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory bugs. This means that you can use neem oil without worrying about harming the insects that help to keep your garden healthy.
Finally, neem oil is completely biodegradable and won’t leave any harmful residues in your garden soil. This makes it an environmentally friendly option for controlling pests and diseases in your garden.
