Plant Care Tips: Neem Oil

Plants look after us if we look after them.

Get in here plant lovers!
As we know, energy transfers.
Your plants feed off of your energy and you feed off of their energy,  Literally.
Treat them with care.
​Let's get into it...

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a naturally occuring, biodegradable, non-toxic pesticide that comes from the seeds of the neem tree. Because neem oil is naturally occurring, it can be found in organic and non-organic form. It has been used for centuries to ward off pests and control diseases. Neem oil is used in a wide variety of pesticide products and even in some cosmetic products (read your labels). Overall, neem oil is not harmful to pets, wildlife, bees, butterflies, lady bugs, or humans if ingested, a lot of people in certain cultures use neem oil in their food and for medicinal purposes. Of course we should keep exposure low and take precaution.

neem tree with seeds

Benefits of Neem Oil

Neem oil is made of many components. Azadirachtin is the most active. It reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. It also hinders insects ability to lay eggs, feed, and grow in and around your plants. This means neem oil kills insects at all stages of development — adult, larvae and egg. Some types of neem oil even inhibit mites, fungus, and mold formation in your soil so that you can keep those pesky fungus gnats at bay! Here is a list of insects that neem oil can effectively prevent: 

• Aphids
• Mites
• Scale
• Leafhoppers
• White flies
• Caterpillars
• Mites
• Mealybugs
• Thrips
• Honorable mention: nematodes (roundworms)

How to Use Neem Oil

Neem oil can be found in diluted and concentrated forms. It will be up to you which you decide to use. The diluted form is a little easier to use as you won't have to mix the concentrate yourself.

It also can be formulated into granules, dust, wettable powders or emulsifiable concentrates. Typically, daily treatment for heavy infestations, weekly treatment for mild infestations, monthly treatments for maintenance. This is the brand of neem oil that I use. Check out the informational video below to see exactly how to best use neem oil for your indoor and outdoor gardens. 

To all my plant lovers, plant experts, and novice gardeners I hope this helps! Thanks so much for joining me on my plant journey. What's growing in your garden? Comment below!

Till Next Time, 
Chérie Jade

References:
National Pesticide Information Center
For more detailed information about neem oil please visit the list of referenced resources or call the National Pesticide, Monday - Friday, between 8:00am - 12:00pm Pacific Time (11:00am - 3:00pm Eastern Time) at 1-800-858-7378 or visit them on the web at http://npic.orst.edu. NPIC provides objective, science-based answers to questions about pesticides.
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