Neem oil is particularly helpful in controlling bad bugs from your garden. While gardening is undoubtedly fulfilling, many people find it particularly challenging to keep pests off their gardens. Although commercial pesticides may come in handy, most gardeners veer off the idea due to the wide range of side effects the chemicals might have on the plants, soil, and their health.
Letting nature handle the pest menace isn’t however, an option anyone would want to take, one of the reasons many turn to natural pesticides and pest control methods.
It’s quite possible to prevent pest infestation in your garden. All you need is to adopt natural and effective pest control methods using natural pesticides. One of the advantages of using natural products for pest control is that these do not pose any risk to your plants; neither do they harm useful insects.
Some insects, especially earthworms, help enrich the soil through aeration, hence vital for plant health.
What is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is a natural pesticide obtained from the seeds of the Azadirachta Indica tree. Neem oil can also be used as an eczema fighter, moisturizer, and acne wash. Its potent antimicrobial properties make it a handy home remedy for various infections and conditions. Neem oil purposed for pest control shouldn’t however be used on your skin. You’d have to dilute its concentration first to be able to use the oil for cosmetic purposes.
How Neem Oil Works?
The oil is absorbed directly into the plant through the roots, which then spreads through the plant’s vascular system. This makes the oil available in every part of the plant. Any insect that feeds on the plant (leaves, bark, or roots) dies from ingesting the neem oil.
It can also be used to protect plants from small insects and especially mites. Oil fungicide can also be used to prevent mildew and root rot as well. Benefits and Uses Although the oil is highly effective in fending off small insects and other pests, it’s effectiveness doesn’t last for long. That said, it doesn’t endanger bees and other useful insects in the garden.
Applied Sprayed or At its Base
The oil can either be sprayed directly on the plant or applied at its base. Applying neem oil on its base allows roots to pick it up, which is then transported in all parts of the plant. It will last about 22 days once absorbed into the plant’s vascular system, and only 45 minutes if sprayed or applied topically. That said, this natural pesticide is safe for helpful insects and pollinators. You, however, shouldn’t use too much oil onto your plant to avoid corrosion.
Experts recommend testing the oil pesticide first before applying to your garden. Apply a small portion of the oil on a plant, then observe the plant for 24 hours. Although most plants will tolerate the oil, some may not. It is for this reason you should test it out first before using it throughout the garden.
What’s the Best Type of Neem Oil To Use In My Garden?
With several brands of oil on the market shelves today, finding the right brand/type for your needs can be a little intimidating. As a rule of thumb, always go for oil pesticides with no added ingredients. Be sure to check the bottle to ensure only Azadirachta is used.
Plantonix Organic Neem oil is a good example of 100% cold-pressed oil you can use in the garden. All you’d be required to do is mix it with water to lower the concentration, then apply it directly onto the plants or their base. You could also add a few drops of pure oil to your shampoo or lotion for shiny and healthy hair.
Verdana Cold-Pressed Neem oil is another excellent example of 100% cold-pressed oil. With no extra ingredients added, the oil is safe to use in the garden, as well as in body lotions. Verdana neem oil is also safe for pets.
Conclusion
Do not let mites and other pests ruin your gardening experience and harvest. Neem oil can help keep these pests at bay.