How to Mix Neem Oil for Tomato Plants

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that has been proven to effectively control pests on tomato plants. The oil is extracted from the neem tree, which is native to India, and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. One of the benefits of neem oil is that it does not harm beneficial insects, making it a safe option for organic gardening. In this article, we will discuss how to mix neem oil for tomato plants.

What You Will Need

Before we get started on how to mix neem oil for tomato plants, it is important to have the right supplies. Here is a list of what you will need:

Neem oil

Mild Liquid Soap (such as Dr. Bronner's castile soap)

Water

Spray bottle

Instructions

Now that you have all the necessary equipment let's move on to how to mix neem oil for tomato plants:

Fill your spray bottle with water about 1/4 of the way full.

Add a few drops of mild liquid soap to the water. This will help the neem oil mix with the water.

Measure out the appropriate amount of neem oil for your tomato plants. The ratio should be 1 teaspoon of neem oil per quart of water. For larger gardens, you may need to mix larger quantities of neem oil and water.

Add the neem oil to the spray bottle, and then fill the rest of the bottle with water until it is nearly full. Shake the bottle to make sure the neem oil is well mixed.

Spray the neem oil mixture on your tomato plants, focusing on the leaves and stems where insects tend to feed.

Repeat this process every 7-14 days until the pests are gone.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help ensure success when using neem oil on your tomato plants:

Always test the neem oil mixture on a small area of your tomato plants before spraying the entire plant. This will ensure that your tomato plant can handle the mixture, and it will also give you an opportunity to spot any potential issues.

Only use neem oil during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. This will reduce the risk of burning the leaves of your tomato plants.

Store your neem oil mixture in a cool, dark place when not in use. Neem oil can degrade over time in sunlight or high heat, reducing its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Using neem oil to control pests on your tomato plants is an effective and safe option for organic gardening. By following the instructions on how to mix neem oil for tomato plants, you can enjoy a healthy and abundant tomato harvest. Remember to test your neem oil mixture on a small area of your tomato plants, use it during cooler parts of the day, and store it in a cool, dark place when not in use. Happy gardening!