Neem oil is a great product that is safe to use around the house, yard, and garden.  

Neem is a fungicide/miticide/insecticide. It is for use on fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, spices, roses, houseplants, flowers, trees, and shrubs.  

I like to recommend using Neem at lot.  It is considered organic and is fairly easy to use.  Neem comes as a ready-to-use product and also a concentrate.  

Neem helps to control many diseases. Powdery mildew, black spot, downy mildew, anthracnose, and many other diseases.  

As for as insects you’ve got aphids, spider mites, scale, and many other insects.  Mix 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Thoroughly mix the solution and spray all plant surfaces including the underside of leaves until completely wet. Shake your sprayer frequently to keep the solution mixed.  

Neem is not as aggressive as other chemicals to harm beneficial insects and birds. It is safe for gardens and is also used in dog sprays and shampoos. 

It breaks down quickly and is actually beneficial to the soil and you can use it anytime of the year.  

A bottle of Neem is a really good product to keep around.  I highly recommend it.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)

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