Neem Oil
Description
Neem oil is a completely natural and organic pesticide made from the seeds of the neem tree. It's one of the safest pest control products you can use because it doesn't harm people, animals, or beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs that help your garden. When you spray neem oil on your plants, it works in several ways to control pests. It can kill small insects like aphids, whiteflies, mites, and thrips by suffocating them or disrupting their growth. It also helps prevent some fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which appears as white powdery spots on leaves. The best part about neem oil is that you can use it on any type of crop - vegetables, fruits, herbs, and even ornamental plants. You can even spray it right up until the day you harvest because it's completely safe to eat. However, it works best when you use it regularly, about every 7 to 14 days, especially when you first notice pests appearing. Always shake the bottle well before mixing it with water, and spray in the early morning or evening when it's cooler to avoid any chance of burning the leaves. It's perfect for organic farmers and anyone who wants to grow healthy food without using harsh chemicals.
Application rates
General
2-5 ml per liter of water
Light infestation
1-2 ml per liter
Heavy infestation
5-10 ml per liter
Application method
Target pests
Application timing
Early morning or evening. Repeat every 7-14 days
Safety period
0 days (organic, safe)
Precautions
Shake well before use. Apply in cool weather to avoid leaf burn.
Crop compatibility
Benefits
- Certified organic and safe for organic farming
- No pre-harvest interval - can be used up to harvest day
- Safe for beneficial insects, bees, and pollinators
- Multi-purpose: controls insects, mites, and some fungal diseases
- No harmful residues on produce
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
Best for
- Organic vegetable production (all types)
- Fruit trees in organic orchards
- Greenhouse and protected cultivation
- Home gardens and small-scale farming
- Crops near harvest requiring safe pest control
Usage tips
- Shake container vigorously before each use
- Apply early morning or evening for best results
- Use warm water for mixing to improve emulsification
- Repeat applications every 7-14 days for continuous protection
- Apply to both upper and lower leaf surfaces
- Best used as part of integrated pest management program
Storage instructions
Store in cool, dark place. Keep container tightly closed. May solidify in cold temperatures - warm gently before use.
Mixing compatibility
Can be mixed with other organic pesticides. Add emulsifier for better mixing. Do not mix with sulfur-based products.