Whether you're dealing with pests or looking to prevent disease, neem oil is a versatile and reliable addition to your gardening routine, and if used correctly neem can help you maintain a thriving, healthy garden the natural way.
How does neem oil work?
Neem is a powerful insecticide made from natural ingredients derived from the seeds of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Its key insecticidal ingredient is Azadirachtin, a naturally occurring substance that blocks the insect’s production and release of vital hormones, rendering them unable to moult and breaking their life cycle. Depending on the stage of life-cycle, insect death may not occur for several days.
Because neem products must be ingested to be effective, they are relatively harmless to insects that pollinate crops and trees, such as butterflies, spiders,and bees, and not forgetting the beneficial wasps that control various crop pests. Azadirachtin acts as a feeding deterrent for some insects, but for those who do take a nibble even if only minute quantities are ingested the insects will stop feeding.
Is neem oil safe for beneficial insects?
Because only insects that feed on plant tissue succumb, those that feed on nectar or other insects rarely contact significant concentrations of neem to harm them. When used correctly, neem oil is far less harmful to beneficial insects than many other products, making it a smart choice for maintaining a balanced, healthy garden ecosystem.
Avoid spraying when plants are in bloom, and spraying early in the morning or late afternoon when pollinators are not that active helps protect them, while still keeping pests under control.
Neem products break down relatively quickly in sunlight and soil, which reduces long-term residue compared to other products.
Is neem oil safe to use on all plants?
When applied correctly and according to the product label, neem can be applied to many plants, including houseplants, vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and garden ornamentals.
Many neem products allow you to spray up to harvesting day. Just remember to wash produce before cooking or eating fresh, as you would with any garden spray.
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When applied incorrectly neem oil can scorch plant leaves.
Read the label first and measure the correct concentration. If you are concerned that a plant may be sensitive to neem, spray a small section of the plant and wait 24 hours before treating the entire plant. Always spray thoroughly, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves where insects like to find shelter. Do not apply in temperatures above 30°C, and never spray in the heat of the day, early morning or evening are best.
How and when to apply neem oil
Neem oil is used to manage many common garden pests and helps to suppress some fungal leaf problems like powdery mildew, black spot and rust. It works best when applied early as a preventative spray or at the first signs of pests, and is reapplied every week or two.
For prevention use every 14 days
For active insect infestations use every 7 days
To help prevent fungal disease outbreaks spray every 7 to 10 days.
What insects does neem oil control?
Neem oil acts as a natural insecticide against over 200 species of soft-bodied and chewing insects, primarily by disrupting their hormonal systems, inhibiting feeding, and preventing moulting.
It is highly effective against sucking insects like aphids and on all young, immature insects (nymphs and larvae), as well as scale insects (specifically in the crawler stage).
It is typically less effective against adult beetles, hard shelled insects, and heavy caterpillar infestations.
Among the many insects it targets are: aphids, whiteflies, fruit flies, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, leafminers, leafhoppers, psyllids, lace bugs, scale insects, various caterpillars and worms species, lawn grubs, and various larvae.
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Caution:
Neem oil is generally low-risk for people and pets when used correctly but it should never be ingested and should never be applied near water sources and waterways, as some neem products are toxic to fish and aquatic organisms.