I have never used a product in the greenhouse whose effects were as efficient and long lasting as neem. Insecticides and fungicides that I had previously used were a short-term fix - about two weeks. The smell was offensive and lasted for days. But it was what was available to keep a clean, insect free greenhouse even if the fumes from most insecticides caused me to have allergic reactions.

Due to a long term illness, my greenhouse had become a disaster area. In January, as the phalaenopsis were spiking, the mealy bugs moved in by the thousands. About 75% of the mature plants had fire ants in the pot. Scale was rampant. We had snails and slugs so big they looked dangerous. Toxic sprays did not get rid of them completely.

The first time I used neem oil (1 oz. to 1 gallon of water + 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid), I sprayed every plant, bench, walkway and under every bench. In a few days there was a definite improvement. I waited 2 weeks and sprayed again. I kept a close eye on the plants, and found no mealy bugs or scale, and best of all the fire ants were gone. And no more slugs and snails.

insecticide, the other with neem. One locust and one grape leaf were put under each bell jar. The locust ate the toxic leaf and died. The other locust refused to eat the neem sprayed leaf and starved to death. From my experience the story could be true. I believe it is better if you can prevent the insect from eating the plant, than to let them eat the plant and then die. It takes years to lose the damaged leaves on most orchids. Flowers can be ruined before the critters will die from insecticide. I've not been disappointed with neem oil. I'm sure that many who read this will be sceptical because of the 'do everything' claim.

We have a cat that has grown up in the greenhouse. Neem hasn't bothered her at all. Pansy greets all comers and we certainly would not use anything that would hurt her. We have also used neem on my son-in-law's dog, a Shar-pei. The dog was biting and chewing her fur and making sores and bald spots all over her coat. The veterinarian said she had hair mites. There is a treatment for this - a series of 6 dips at $65.00 per dip and only a 50% chance of a cure. I suggested that he try using a 'neem rinse' after bathing the dog, using a 1 oz. to 1 gallon of water. This treatment was followed for three weeks. The dog has stopped chewing herself and has grown back a full glossy coat.

Tips on Using Neem Oil

• Pure Neem Oil will retain its potency much longer if stored at about 40° F in a low light area such as a refrigerator.
• A new batch of Neem oil, water and a little soap (according to the label) should be mixed each time you are going to spray. Mix only the amount of Neem oil you will use in 4 to 6 hours.
• Do not mix anything with your Neem oil solution other than the water and soap used to prepare the solution.
• The soap (dishwashing detergent) is used to help emulsify the oil. If no soap is used the Neem will not mix into solution with the water and spraying will not be effective.
• Spray the entire plant including the top of the potting media. Spray benches, walkways and any surface over which an insect might travel.
• A mixture of 1 oz. to 1 gallon of water should be used for spraying. A weaker solution may be used as a maintenance spray. It is impossible to give a definite schedule for spraying. However, a "close eye" will help each person to adjust a timetable to maintain clean plants. You will probably not have to spray as often with Neem as with toxic insecticides.

For other neem products, visit our website at http://www.NeemDirect.com

.....................................................................................
Is this article informative and/or useful to you?
Please send your comments and suggestions to newsletter@neemdirect.com