How Much Neem Cake to Use for Potted Plants

If you're an avid gardener, you've probably heard of neem cake. Neem cake is a by-product of neem seeds that is commonly used as a natural fertilizer. It has been found to be effective in improving the yields and quality of various crops. If you're looking to add neem cake to your potted plants, you may be wondering how much to use. Here's what you need to know.

The Benefits of Neem Cake

Before we get into the amount of neem cake to use for potted plants, let's talk about its benefits. Neem cake is a natural fertilizer that contains various nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In addition to its nutrient content, it also has pest control properties. Neem cake contains a compound called azadirachtin, which is a natural insecticide that repels or kills insects such as aphids and mealybugs. Furthermore, neem cake has been found to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity, making it an excellent addition to any garden.

Dosage of Neem Cake for Potted Plants

The dosage of neem cake you should use for potted plants depends on the size of the pot and the plant itself. As a general rule of thumb, you can use one to two tablespoons of neem cake per gallon of soil. For small pots, use one tablespoon, and for larger pots, use two tablespoons. Mix the neem cake into the soil before planting the plant or top-dress the soil with neem cake every few weeks. It's important to note that neem cake is slow-release fertilizer, so it's okay to use it more frequently than other types of fertilizers.

Keep in mind that you shouldn't use too much neem cake as it can make the soil too alkaline. Alkaline soil can be harmful to some plants as it can prevent them from absorbing nutrients properly. If you notice your plant turning yellow or showing any signs of nutrient deficiency, reduce the amount of neem cake you're using.

Conclusion

Overall, neem cake can be a valuable addition to your potted plants. It's an organic and eco-friendly fertilizer that provides several benefits to plants, such as improved soil structure, pest control, and essential nutrients. When using neem cake, remember to follow the dosage guidelines and avoid using too much. Neem cake is beneficial, but like anything else, moderation is key.