GARDENING BY THE MOON by Dr. Robert Moon
NEEM OIL – A SAFE, NON-TOXIC FRIEND FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE
I know as a homeowner myself, I am always looking for a safe product to control many chewing and sucking insects such as aphids, mealybugs, scale and whiteflies without harming birds, fish, bees and wildlife. I am also always seeking to find a product that has been extensively studied and that shows no sign of harm to humans. It is difficult to find a safe, non-toxic pesticide for your garden and landscape that is also friendly to the environment and still effective. Neem Oil is your friend and a good answer for all these concerns. It means you can keep only one product in your garage for control of most insects, some diseases and mites. This information is especially important now, because if you will treat with Neem Oil during the winter season, you will reap benefits throughout the spring and summer!!
What is Neem Oil? It comes from the seed of the Azadirachta indica tree, a common ornamental shade tree in South Asia and India. You can find Neem Oil in wax, oil and soap but for gardeners, it has anti-fungal and pesticide properties.
Is it safe for humans and animals? The highest concentration currently sold on the market is 3%. When used properly it is non-toxic but I don’t think you want to drink it! If you use it in your garden, I recommend washing any produce before consumption, but I know you do that anyway.
Is it safe for the environment? Studies have shown that if used appropriately, beneficial insects such as bees butterflies and ladybugs are safe since Neem Oil does not target bugs that do not chew on leaves. No residue is left in the soil.
Is it effective? This is the good news. It will control aphids, mealybugs, scale and whiteflies and many more insects. It can be used as a fungicide to control powdery mildew, root rot, black spot and sooty mold. It also controls mites and has some effect on nematodes in the soil. I encourage you to spray all trees, shrubs and ground cover in the winter with Neem Oil for the control of overwintering insects, mites and some diseases. This treatment will greatly help you next spring and summer in your landscape and garden. When applying, follow label instructions and be sure to coat the surface of all leaves.
Once you get to know Neem Oil, I think you will be friends for life!
