Dealing with aphids and spider mites without harsh chemicals is one of the biggest challenges in organic gardening. At Batuah Homestead, we rely heavily on Neem oil—a natural derivative of the neem tree—to protect our sensitive Bunga Aromatik collection.
What You Will Need
- 1 Tablespoon pure, cold-pressed Neem oil.
- 1 Teaspoon mild liquid soap (castile soap is best, it acts as an emulsifier).
- 1 Liter of warm (not hot) water.
Instructions
- Mix the Soap and Water: Neem oil will not mix directly with water. First, dissolve your liquid soap into the warm water.
- Add the Neem Oil: Stir the neem oil into the soapy water. It should mix in smoothly and turn slightly milky.
- Spray Application: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Thoroughly coat your plants, focusing especially on the undersides of the leaves where pests like to hide.
🛠️ Pro-Tip
Apply this spray early in the morning or late in the evening. Neem oil can cause leaves to burn if exposed to intense direct midday sunlight immediately after application. Also, remember to apply it once every 7-10 days as a preventative measure, not just when you see an infestation!