Whether or not it is safe has always been controversial, and I always tend to lean toward worst-case on anything controversial. Better safe than sorry. I would never use neem oil during flowering. Even if it is safe, it makes the buds taste bad if used when too far into flowering.
Yeah, so true. Can always start to prepare some perennials that attract the good predator bugs. Then it will be ready for the next grow season. My old neighbor used to always have sunflowers and marigolds around his garden. They attract all the good pollinators that also eat all the bad pests.
Yes it's the red army
Just a heads up that “detergent” should never be used as it contains synthetic chemicals, often derived from petroleum, that strip the protective waxy coating (cuticle) from the leaves. You can use a non-detergent dish soap, but better to use a Castile soap or insecticidal soap. (Also if you have silica, it’s a good emulsifier, but doesn’t act as a spreader-sticker.)
Does not burn plants in any way shape or form. Only if mixed to high of concentration. Neem oil has natural healing properties for plants and animals. Problem is how it makes the weed taste. What you propose is nothing more than mixing insecticidal soap with neem for a double punch. However it works better if you alternate with lower concentration. Neem, water, soap spray, water. Soap spray will burn if mixed wrong as well.
Complete disaster, when douchebag's try an corner the market only 20yrs earlier they were funding anti MMJ, by increasing the plague on home growing.
I should add, these plants are in an outdoor greenhouse.... It's wide open (now) and I think bad ventilation was a big part of the reason i got mites to begin with. Lady bugs are not an option (I did have some come in there naturally, but haven't seen any in awhile). I have since taken everything out of the greenhouse and sprayed everything down with bleach water. Weather is still warm here, so my plan is to keep the plants out of the greenhouse for about 2 weeks, then move them back in. I have been water blasting them every other day, but just used neem oil for the 1st time today.
"Even if it is safe, it makes the buds taste bad if used when too far into flowering."
Good information. Thanks.
I've seen reports to the contrary regarding burning. It has been discussed here many times. It isn't the neem itself that can burn. It's how oil droplets can form a lens that focuses light enough to cause burning. Using an emulsifier keeps avoids that. My understanding is it's more of a problem under artificial light that doesn't move like the sun moves. That said, it's up to the individual to decide whether to take the risk when other options are available.
Hope it works out! To me the Ladies are always an option.
Athena IPM DESTROYED my spider mites. I now have clean healthy plants. I now mix big 5 gallon bucket of it and dip and swirl my clones/seedlings in it. No PM and no pests! Its expensive but worth it
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