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To dilute or not to dilute neem oil for plants?

#1 · 19th October 2023, 9:13 pm

Hi Lee..I posted on here a couple of weeks ago, regarding problems I'm having with my Forest Flame and you suggested Neem Oil. I have bought some and just wanted to ask you if I spray it directly onto the leaves/plant itself, or does it have to be diluted first? Also, is it best to spray the leaves or water the plant at the base so that the roots absorb the neem oil?

#2 · 20th October 2023, 9:16 am

Hi @my-tiny-garden

Great question about neem oil to help rid your plants of pests or fungus. You only want to apply it to the leaves, where it will help kill off fungus or pests. Its a contact organic pesticide. So it has to make contact with the bugs or fungus. Don't water it in as it won't have any effect. Check out this post on neem oil and consider whether you're ready to accept the potential side effects, health concerns, and wildlife issues associated with its use.

The best way to mix neem oil for application on plants.

Use a spray bottle
Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1lt of water in the bottle
Add a squirt of washing up liquid to bind the two together
Shake vigorously to mix the solution (and each time before you use it)
Label the bottle so you know what's in it
Apply to the plant every week or two depending on the severity of fungus or infection of pests

There you go!

Happy spraying with the eco-friendly neem oil.

Lee

My tiny garden has reacted to this post.

#3 · 20th October 2023, 9:52 am

Thanks for that Lee. I'll keep you posted on the plants progress (hopefully if it survives). Unfortunately nothing will be getting sprayed on today, as we have torrential rain and wind here in Yorkshire 🙄🌧️🌬️