How to Use Neem Oil for Plants

Neem oil is a derivative of the Asian evergreen tree. A natural steroid, it causes insects to lose their appetite and lose interest in laying eggs.

It can be used to treat a number of garden ailments, including:

• Insects: It kills or repels many harmful insects and mites, including aphids, whiteflies, snails, nematodes, mealybugs, cabbage worms, gnats, moths, cockroaches, flies, termites, mosquitoes, and scale. It kills some bugs outright, attacks the larvae of others, and repels plant munchers with its bitter taste.
• Fungus: It is also effective in preventing fungal diseases such as black spot, anthracnose, rust, and mildew.
• Disease: As if that wasn’t enough, neem oil also battles viruses that can harm plants.

 
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How to prepare Neem oil solution for sprayer? 

To prepare 1 liter of a 0.5 % dilution of neem oil spray we need the following measurement. 

• 5 ml (1 tsp) neem oil (use pure, cold pressed oil).
• 1-2 ml (1/3 tsp) insecticidal soap or other detergent.
• 1 liter (1 quart) warm water.

Here are the steps to be followed to prepare neem oil solution.

1. Take 1 liter of warm water and 1-2 ml (1/3 tsp) of insecticidal soap or other detergent.
2. Mix warm water and detergent and prepare a solution first. Make sure it dissolves completely.
3. Take 5 ml or 1 tsp of neem oil and slowly add the oil while stirring vigorously.
4. Fill the mixture into your sprayer. Keep shaking or otherwise stirring the mix while spraying. Use the mixture within eight hours.

The ideal neem garden spray would be 0.5% to 1% dilution. Depending on the purpose you may want to increase that to up to 2%. If you have trouble dissolving the oil, use more detergent.

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