I just bought a bottle of neem oil. I have been using azamax which has provided good control but I’m thinking I should mix it up after using azamax every 7-10 days for past six months. Can one reuse what’s left in the spray bottle, without worrying about degradation of the neem oil, for following applications?
In my experience the neem will separate out of the water if left and leave a waxy substance that won’t emulsify. I always use warm water and silica as the emulsifier, but notice if the water is cold, the neem won’t mix up and once you get the waxy white goop, you’re screwed.
In my experience the neem will separate out of the water if left and leave a waxy substance that won’t emulsify. I always use warm water and silica as the emulsifier, but notice if the water is cold, the neem won’t mix up and once you get the waxy white goop, you’re screwed.
I use organic dish soap as my emulsifier, and want it to stay on my leaves, top and bottom for a day or two. Then I run a shower hose over them to wash off the neem other stuff the wind blows in.
If you are going to use Neem (I do) it has to be totally emulsified. I use insecticidal soap Safer's. I know I have heard that the ph is too high for the neem to be effective, however I have had good luck with it. The key is to emulsify it properly, and for this there is nothing better than a hand held wand style blender. Slowly drizzle in the neem, a couple of teaspoons/gallon to what ever carrier agent you are using while using the blending wand. I apply it in the morning during early to mid veg stage (outdoor) an hour or so before the sun hits my plants. I do the same with a citrus spray that I use later on in the season.
If you are going to use Neem (I do) it has to be totally emulsified. I use insecticidal soap Safer's. I know I have heard that the ph is too high for the neem to be effective, however I have had good luck with it. The key is to emulsify it properly, and for this there is nothing better than a hand held wand style blender. Slowly drizzle in the neem, a couple of teaspoons/gallon to what ever carrier agent you are using while using the blending wand. I apply it in the morning during early to mid veg stage (outdoor) an hour or so before the sun hits my plants. I do the same with a citrus spray that I use later on in the season.