Hey everyone! I'm diving into my second year of gardening, and I've started spotting some pesky bugs this spring - like aphids, scale insects, and some mysterious black insects on my chives. I've been using this neem oil from BioAdvanced, but it hasn't been super effective. I understand that pests are more common in organic gardens, but I'm keen on finding out what I can do to keep them at bay!
3 Answers
Totally agree with Dale! Just remember that organic methods are meant to target specific pests rather than wipe everything out. I avoid using neem too often since I'm in a high desert area where it can burn plants in strong sunlight. Just make sure your neem is freshly mixed and contains azadirachtin for the best results!
Neem oil can be awesome if you’re using the right stuff! The BioAdvanced version tends to be diluted, so I’d suggest getting cold-pressed neem oil and mixing it yourself. Try a mix of 1 tsp of neem, 1/2 tsp of mild soap, and 1 quart of warm water. Give it a good shake and spray at sunset to avoid frying your plants. Also, don't rely solely on neem—use insecticidal soap for softer bugs like aphids and horticultural oil for tougher ones like scale. And hey, invite some beneficial bugs, like ladybugs and lacewings, into your garden; they can really help control the pests! You won’t get rid of all pests, but you can manage them!
You might want to try a milk and water spray as an alternative! It worked wonders for me—just mix equal parts of milk and water and use it on your plants. It can tackle most of your pest issues. I recommend spraying it at sundown too!
That’s interesting! What ratio of milk to water do you suggest for the mix?
Thanks for the advice! I just got some cold-pressed neem oil and mixed it up according to your suggestion. I’ll keep the other tips in mind too. It’s a process, right?