The Best Tube Squeezer AKA Tube Wringer for Everyday Use

Products in tubes are a part of our everyday lives, from toothpaste and tomato paste to first-aid ointments and paints. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to squeeze the last drops of product from tubes, and I hate being wasteful (especially when I'm trying to wring every last drop from an expensive skincare product, for example).

I have tried several styles and brands of tube squeezers, also called tube wringers. I started with smaller, more compact styles for things like small lip balm tubes, and also tried medium-sized models for toothpaste, ointments, etc. Unfortunately, most have been unsatisfactory. That's why I'm so anxious to share my review of the large, metal tube squeezer AKA tube wringer I purchased that works on all my tubes, small or large, metal or plastic.

After experimenting with different brands and types, the heavy-duty XYKEEY Metal Tube Squeezer has become my clear favorite. It’s sturdy, effective, and easy to use. I’ve also tried the smaller roller-style XYKEEY tube squeezers (like the black one shown in the photo above), and honestly, they’re just not in the same league.

Effective and Easy to Use

The heavy-duty XYKEEY squeezer is well made from a rust-resistant aluminum alloy. It feels substantial in your hand. You simply pull the ends apart slightly, insert the end of your tube between the corrugated jaws, close the ends of the wringer firmly on the end of the tube, then twist the handle. The tube squeezer effortlessly crimps the lower part of your tube while pushing every last bit of the contents toward the top of the tube.

It works equally well for tubes of toothpaste, lip balm, hand cream, skincare, tomato paste, paint, glue, and more.

It’s also easy on the hands, which I really appreciate, since my grip strength isn't what it used to be. The smooth turning mechanism, with its large handle, requires very little effort.

While the crimping action works best on metal tubes, I was delighted that it also works on my plastic tubes, which is not true of all models I've tried.

It can stand upright on the countertop or lay flat in a drawer for storage to keep things neat and tidy.

How the Smaller XYKEEY Tube Squeezer Rollers Compare

The XYKEEY roller squeezers may seem like a better value at first glance, since you can get a set of three for a little more than the cost of one of the larger XYKEEY tube wringers. Unfortunately, while they are more compact and attractive, I have found them far less effective, even for small tubes of lip balm or gloss and the like. 

Here are a few key differences:

Less effective: I have found that it can be difficult to get the ends of small tubes, especially, to "catch" and stay put in the slot. More importantly, they don't crimp the tubes or squeeze them as tightly, so more product is left inaccessible inside the tube.

More fiddly: You have to line up the slot of the inner portion with the opening of the base in order to slide the end of the tube into the squeezer.

More effort required: The rolling mechanism is smaller and doesn't work as smoothly as the larger model, making it less comfortable to use, especially with thicker creams or heavier-duty tubes.

The Best Choice for Everyday Use

If you want to get every last drop out of your toothpaste, hand creams, skincare, first aid creams and ointments, and other products that come in tubes, the XYKEEY Heavy-Duty Metal Tube Squeezer is absolutely worth it. It’s solid, effective, and makes daily life just a little more organized and satisfying. And, at less than $10 on Amazon at the time of this review's publication, it's a bargain that will quickly pay for itself many times over by minimizing product waste.

Toothpaste Squeezer, Metal Toothpaste Tube Squeezer Paint Tube Wringer for Artist, Hair Salon, Painter…

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Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread - The Perfect Snack

If you read the post I made on March 25, 2025, for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, I explained about a very old recipe book that I had found in my mother's things after she passed.  To call it a book, is being kind, as it was just a collection of hand typed (on a manual typewriter!) recipes folded in the middle and stapled together.  No front or back cover, no information of where it came from.  The pages are so ancient they are dark tan in color.  

Anyway, the recipes in this old gem are from a time before I was cooking.  Some of them are recipes for foods I have never heard of like Strawberry Fool or Fruitinays.  I love reading through the pages and some times I find a recipe that I want to try.  This is how I came across the recipes for the perfect afternoon snack:  Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread.

This first time I made the bread, I found it delicious, but it seemed to be lacking something to go with it.  I tried coffee, but it didn't fit, I tried iced tea and it was completely not a match.  I was stumped.  So I went back to the recipe book and looked under "Drinks."  When I saw the spiced tea recipe, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  Cinnamon and fruit juices sounded like a great combination!  I got up and made some right then and there.  It was exquisite!  The flavors blended together perfectly and they were just right with the honey nut bread.  It really is the perfect snack!

Spiced Tea

Ingredients

Juice of one lemon

Juice of two oranges

2 Plain teabags (more if you like it stronger)

1 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional, if you like clove flavor)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Instructions

1. Put spices in a small bag
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the bag of spices.
3. Boil for 10 minutes and remove the spice bag and turn off the stove.
4. Add teabags to the spiced water and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove teabags.
5. Boil the remaining 2 cups of water and add sugar. Stir until sugar melts.
6. Pour the sweetened water into the tea and stir until mixed.
7. Add the fruit juices and mix well.

If you want it drink your tea cold, chill the mixture in the refrigerator and serve over ice.  If you are like me and prefer it hot, place it back on the stove and boil.  I put mine in a carafe so it stays hot to enjoy with our next recipe:  Honey Nut Bread.

Honey Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts (whichever type you like)

1 cup flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift dry ingredients and stir in nuts.
3. In a bowl beat the egg and add honey, milk and melted butter and mix.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until the ingredients are  moistened and mixed.
5. Grease a bread pan and pour in the mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Honey nut bread is also great with toppings like:

Apple Butter

Fruit Jam

Honey Butter 

Flavored Cream Cheese (like strawberry)

Lemon Sauce

I have even made French Toast with honey nut bread.  I trade in the syrup for some hot honey and it is really delicious.

I really love this old cookbook, it has so many unusual recipes in it and it also has a 'Hints and Tips' section that is pretty funny.  Maybe I will share some tips in my next post, I think you all would find it pretty entertaining!

Enjoy your snack!

  

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A Review of Our Rechargeable Electric Wine Opener

 Opening a bottle of wine should feel like the beginning of a relaxing evening, not a battle with a stubborn cork. That's where the rechargeable electric wine opener comes in, making it a simple task to open a bottle of wine.

Our daughter and grandsons got this electric wine bottle opener for her birthday. We always have a couple of bottles of wine on hand for special occasions or just a relaxing glass of wine in the evening.

Fran and I definitely have different tastes in wine. Fran likes a dry wine, and for myself, it has to be on the sweeter side. 

Features of the Electric Wine Opener:

• Easy push-button operation. Press the "down" button to insert the cork, and the "up" button to extract the cork. No twisting or pulling required.
• After a full charge, the wine opener will open 30 or 40 bottles of wine, depending on the model.
• A foil cutter and vacuum wine stopper are included with our model.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet glass at home, the rechargeable wine opener adds a touch of convenience and class. It's helpful for people with arthritis or reduced hand strength, as it eliminates the need for manual effort.

This is a perfect gift idea for friends and family who enjoy a glass of wine. I would say the electric wine opener is not a must-have, but a nice-to-have.

You will find a variety of Electric Wine Bottle openers on Amazon.

Electric Wine Opener,Automatic Wine Bottle Opener Rechargeable Cordless Electric Corkscrew Wine Opener Gift Set with Wine Stopper, Foil Cutter, Wine Aerator,Storage Base & Charging CableCheck the PriceCuisinart Vacuum Sealer Cordless Wine Opener, One Size, BlackCheck the PriceCrenova Wine Opener Electric, Rechargeable Wine Bottle Opener, Automatic Corkscrew with Vacuum Stopper, Aerator Pourer, Foil Cutter, Display Base, House Warming Gifts for New Home Wedding BirthdayCheck the Price

 

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How to Kill a Wasp Nest Behind the Bricks of Your House

 

How to Kill a Wasp Nest Behind the Bricks of Your House (What Actually Worked for Me)

Every morning, I sit outside with my coffee and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet on my backyard swing. One morning, I noticed something odd: a steady stream of wasps flying in and out of a small crack between the bricks on the back wall of our house. And not just once—this happened every day, especially when the morning sun was beating down on that area.

At first, I thought it was just a few scouts. I grabbed some peppermint-scented water (which I'd read could deter them) and gave the area a good spray. Nope. That didn't work. The wasps kept coming—more and more every day. I knew it: there was a nest forming inside the wall. Time to take this seriously.

---

The Entry Point Is Everything

One thing I quickly realized—and I want to highlight this for anyone else dealing with wasps in the wall—is that you must find the entry point. I could see precisely where the wasps were flying in and out, and that made all the difference. If you don't know where they're entering, you'll need to spend some time observing their flight path. It's absolutely critical.

And here's what not to do (yes, I learned the hard way): Don't plug the hole.

At first, I thought, "Well, let me just plug the crack so they can't get back in. That'll stop the problem, right?" Nope. Big mistake! Huge!

When I temporarily sealed the hole, about 20 wasps showed up in full-on panic mode, trying to get in. They were confused and aggressive. 

I did some fast reading and found out that sealing up an active wasp nest is a terrible idea—because they'll just find another way out. They've been known to chew through tar paper and even wood to escape. 

That was enough for me. I unplugged the hole and got serious about a real solution.

---

Why I Chose Pyrethrin Insecticide Dust (And Availability Notes)

When researching the best insecticide dusts to treat a wasp nest in a wall, I came across several recommended options. 

However, as I began looking for them online, I noticed something important: many of the most recommended products weren't showing up on Amazon USA. Whether that's a temporary availability issue or a distribution limitation, I'm not sure.

Since I live in Canada, I purchased pyrethrin insecticide dust from Amazon Canada, because it was the only product from the recommended list that I could actually find and buy at the time. It wasn't cheap, but honestly, it was absolutely worth it. It worked fast and effectively.

If you're in the U.S., you might still be able to find pyrethrin dust or other recommended insecticide powders at your local hardware or garden store—even if they don't appear on Amazon USA. 

The key is finding an insecticide dust, not a spray, because the dust gets tracked back to the nest and to the queen. It's what makes the method so effective for hard-to-reach, hidden nests, such as those in walls or behind brick.

---

How the Insecticide Dust Works

What I loved about this solution is how the dust works: when the wasps enter and exit, they can't help but touch it. Their wings, legs, and bodies pick up the fine powder, and when they return to the nest, they bring it with them. Eventually, it reaches the queen and the rest of the hive, affecting their nervous systems and eliminating the entire colony.

I only sprayed once. I assumed I'd need to repeat the process 24 to 48 hours later, but I didn't—it worked in 24 hours. That was it. The activity stopped completely.

---

Why This Method Worked for Me

Here's why I think this method worked so well:

• The crack was small and direct, so the dust clung to everything inside.

• The pump sprayer with the long nozzle allowed me to get deep into the crack without needing to see the nest.

• Pyrethrin dust is potent and fast-acting.

• I caught the nest in the earlier stages—there was still time to stop it before it got out of control.

And, importantly, this method is excellent for cracks where the nest is not visible, but you can clearly see wasps entering and exiting.

---

What About Diatomaceous Earth?

For U.S. readers: another product that came up in my research was Diatomaceous Earth (DE)—an organic, earth-based dust. It's widely available in the U.S. and can be a gentler, more natural alternative. However, many sources indicated it may take longer to work and might not be effective for larger nests. I could have purchased it in Canada, but with the urgency of the situation (and my husband being allergic), I chose the faster option.

If you do opt for Diatomaceous Earth, the same application method applies: obtain a pump with a narrow nozzle and apply it directly to the wasps' entry point.

---

Application Safety Tips

A word of caution: Pyrethrin is a type of insecticide. Even though I was using it five feet up the wall (out of reach of pets), I took all the proper precautions:

• Wore a mask

• Wore gloves

• Put on a heavy sweater

• Threw my clothes straight into the laundry after the one-minute application

Honestly, the actual spraying took less than 60 seconds—three to four good puffs into the crack, and I was done.

---

Final Thoughts: Don't Wait Too Long

The longer I let this go, the more wasps appeared. Every day, I could tell the nest was growing. I don't like harming living creatures, but having a wasp nest in the bricks of our house was a safety risk—for us, for pets, and for anyone allergic.

I'm really glad I took the time to conduct thorough research and find a product that is safe, effective, and available in Canada. If you're dealing with the same issue, I hope this helps save you some time and stress.

---

In short?
✔ Find the entry point.
❌ Don't plug the hole.
✅ Use the right dust and pump. (See the hyperlinks above.).
😌 And in 24 hours, you might just be wasp-free.

TAKE NOTE: Consult a professional exterminator if the wasp nest is too big or the situation is unsafe! In fact, don't attempt this if you're unsure whether it's safe to do so.

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Book Review of Heaven Adjacent

A novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde

What if you have been living a high-powered life, where work is everything and your time is totally organized? Then, something drastic happens that makes you realize that there may be more to living than what you have been doing. This is what happens to Roseanna Chaldecott the day her best friend and law partner suddenly dies.

Heaven Adjacent

Synopsis of Heaven Adjacent

Something snaps in Roseanna’s life one morning when she takes a step back and realizes that all she and her law partner had worked for now has no real meaning anymore. Instead of dutifully going off to the office as usual, and feeling unsure of her future, Roseanna leaves her home in New York City and begins to drive upstate on one tank of gas with no plans to return. Nothing seems to matter anymore; she lives alone and is estranged from her grown son, and work no longer seems important. 

Hours later, Roseanna’s need for gas occurs in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains where she discovers a ramshackle farm located on seventy-six acres that is for sale. Deciding this is the perfect hideout, she purchases the property and arranges to have her Manhattan apartment closed up and her belongings shipped to the farm. She also notifies her secretary that she won't be back.

The farm appears to be full of possibilities, but also includes a few surprises. It seems there is a young mother and her small daughter who have been squatting on the property. Having company is the last thing Roseanna wants, but she reluctantly allows them to stay. 

As time goes by, it is discovered that there is a lot of old farm equipment and other metal things stored in and around the farm and its many buildings. Roseanna and the young girl begin sculpting zoo animals using this ‘junk’. As a result, others are drawn to the farm; some of whom stay on, camping on the many acres. Eventually, a newspaperman writes a story about the sculptures and even her estranged son, Lance, shows up. Lance pleads with her to return to the city, but Roseanna has finally discovered where she belongs. And, soon Lance also discovers a simple truth. 

Summary

Roseanna thought she needed space and solitude when her new adventure began, but, although her new life does not provide the solitude she first sought, her heart has found room for much more.

This is a wonderful, yet bittersweet, story about slowing down and discovering what can be gained when leaving everything behind! 

People come into our lives and it’s not always a forever kind of thing, and not always meant to be. Not every deal is for keeps.

~from Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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*Book Review of ‘Heaven Adjacent’ was written by Wednesday Elf

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Mattel's 80th Anniversary Barbie Dolls Reviewed

Barbie dolls have always been my favorite toy and they have always been a part of my life.  As a child, I played with my Barbies.  As an adult, I collect my favorite specialty Barbies.  When I saw the 80th Anniversary Barbie Signature Doll, I knew I would want to add this gorgeous Barbie to my collection.  Seeing "80th anniversary" printed on her box caused me to pause and think though.  Barbie isn't 80!  No, she is not.  It is actually their maker, Mattel, that is celebrating their 80th year in business and they doing it in grand style with a signature edition anniversary Barbie.

While the Barbie Signature Doll may have been created with collectors in mind, there is also an much less expensive 80's anniversary Barbie for play.  I actually like both of them.  I have featured them at the bottom of this review for you to compare.  I would love to hear you thoughts.

Most of us are already familiar with Barbie's history.  The first Barbie was released and introduced to the world by Mattel in 1959.  Since then, Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls.  It won't surprise you to hear that the Barbie line is the most profitable for Mattel.  She is their own private little gold mine.  After all, one can't just stop at one Barbie.  She must have everything: clothes, accessories, homes, cars, boats, camping equipment, and certainly friends.  And, let's not forget her movies.  Clearly, she is Mattel's biggest star. 

 

The 80th Anniversary Barbie

 Barbie Signature Doll, Mattel 80th Anniversary CollectibleCheck Price Red has always been a stunning color on Barbies.  Over the years, the annual Holiday Barbie has frequently been dressed in red, but this year, she wears her red for the special Mattel anniversary.  Ironically, she will be wearing gold for Christmas this year.

Take note of Barbie's earrings, shown in the picture on the right.  They prominently feature the letter "M" for Mattel in honor of the original Matty Mattel logo.  

Her fitted glittery red dress is stunningly detailed with a tulle bustle and accessorized with complimentary red sheer gloves and red pump shoes.  But, you don't need me to describe her.  You can see for yourself that she is gorgeous! 

A doll stand is included for displaying this lovely collectible.  As well as, a Certificate of Authenticity.  

 

     

Side by Side Comparison - For Collecting or Play

 Barbie Signature Doll, Mattel 80th Anniversary Collectible in Glittery Red Tulle Gown with Drop Earrings and Sheer Gloves, Blonde HairCheck Price Barbie Mattel 80th Anniversary Ruby-Red Celebration Blonde Fashion Doll Wearing Red Dress with Silvery Shoes & NecklaceCheck Price

 

 

 

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Cat Treat Toys Review

Cat treat photo by the author.

I have gotten my cats various treat toys over the years. The one before the current one, that is pictured above, was a plastic round ball, that had a hole in it where the treats could fall out of as the ball was rolled. The one that we had, had a hole size that could be adjusted to make it easier or harder for the treats to fall out of. Our cat did seem to enjoy it to an extent, but it did not seem to be a favorite toy. I did not find the particular cat ball treat dispenser that we had, on Amazon.

Last Christmas, I came across the ladybugs and leaves design cat treat toy. With this toy, the treats seemed to be more directly retrieved from the toy. It's been over eight months now, and it is still a hit with our cat. There was a little bit of a learning curve at the very beginning, but it did not take long for her to figure it out. The way to get treats from this toy was a lot more straight forward. It was and is still a winner; it has two paws up from our cat. She comes to get me when it's treat time, without me having to call her.

This last toy is a home made treat toy made from a toilet paper roll. The toilet paper roll is folded in half, with both ends meeting, and then cutting slits, stopping around a half inch or so from the ends. Unfold the toilet paper tube, then push the middle part of the tube out a bit and add some treats. Our cat was immediately intrigued with this, once I put the treats in it! This is a nice way to add some extra fun for your cat, in a quick and easy way.

Why provide treat toys for your cat(s).

It offers some fun, play, and an intriguing way to play on their hunter instincts.

Another reason, is it is a way to help slow down a cat's eating habits. If they were used to eating fast, as in perhaps they came from an open room type shelter, they may have had to eat fast to make sure they got to the food when it was out. We had two cats where that was the case. Providing a mechanism that helped slow the cat's eating down, was a big help in getting their weight under control.

Which cat treat toy would I recommend?

My choice would be the ladybugs and leaves cat treat toy. My cat seems happier with this treat toy more so than she did with the dispensing ball toy. She looks forward to using it and I don't have to encourage her to use it.

Ladybugs and Leaves Cat Treat Toy; Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle: Check price.

My second recommendation, is to try the toilet paper roll option; it's a good way to see if you want to invest in a treat toy that is more long lasting. However, they are relatively easy to make and toilet paper rolls can be in easy supply.

Cheryl Paton

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Honey Butter ~ A Recipe For Joy in a Jar

Just to let you know, there is snow on my roof (grey hair) and I thought I knew a lot about many different things.  But just recently I learned something totally new to me and wondered why, oh why, it took me so long to find out about this.

What is "this"?  Well let's just say that I consider it to be a little bit of Joy in a Jar.

This bit of heavenly joy comes from Honey Butter!  Yes, you heard me right!  Honey Butter!

Have you ever had this treat in your life?  If not, you are missing out on something that I feel is out of this world.  Just thinking about the first time I put some of this on hubby's fresh baked bread makes my face break out in a big and I mean really big smile.

It's not for everyone, especially those who are busy watching all the carbs and keeping track of everything they eat.  But even if you fall into that category, you could let yourself "slip" just once and try this out!

Honey Butter is so easy to make!  Once you have it made up, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a few weeks (but I'm guessing it won't last that long)!

Honey Butter Recipe

Start with unsalted butter softened to room temperature. 1 cup

Honey, clover, raw, wildflower - any one will work quite nicely 1/3cup

Confectioner's Sugar just makes it ultra-creamy and will keep the sweetness to an acceptable level. 3 Tablespoons

Flaky sea salt 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon

That is the whole ingredient list, pretty easy don't you think?

Start by creaming the butter and then add all the other ingredients creaming them into the butter mixture.  If you have softened the butter ahead of time, this whole operation will only take a few minutes.

But......and this is a BIG BUT, you don't have to stop there!  If you want to add a little more flavor you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon and you would have Cinnamon Honey Butter!  

Another option is to add a little spice to your honey butter by adding just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.  Hot and Sweet!  What's not to like in that combination?

As I said earlier, this treat is something that is totally new to me and I've been around for quite a long time.   I don't know what took me so long to find out about this but I do call it my Joy in a Jar for good reason.

I hope that I have tickled your taste buds just a little so that you can join me in a great little indulgence that will put a smile on your face too!

This was my first jar of honey butter purchased at the St. Jacob's Market in Waterloo Ontario.  And now that I know how easy it is to make, you can be sure that I will make my own from now on!

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden

 

I love gardening and like pretty much all aspects of it. However what I do not like is when various pests and diseases attack my plants. It is a conflicted point for me however as I do like to garden organically with nature and not generally use pesticides. Many of them will hurt beneficial insects as well somewhere down the line and as I am allergic to many things I have to be careful too.

Nature usually has a way of balancing things out and every pest has a predator and they need the other insects so I prefer to leave the garden to sort itself out and use nothing. 

However, I see my beautiful plants this year in our very hot,  humid summer with little rain really stressing the plants and leaving them vulnerable to disease. Some have suffered and are covered in fungal diseases and attacked by aphids and red spider mite and other creatures that I know will eventually kill the plants. 

Then I know that I have a choice...

Either allow nature to fully take its course and risk the loss of plants that are dear to me, some given by my late parents, or take some action that has the least environmental effect.

So I researched that Neem oil can be a good solution if used safely and with some caveats.

It is antibacterial and antifungal so that will help with the fungal diseases. It also has insecticidal properties which disrupt the feeding and breeding cycles of some insects. I tried it this year for both issues and I have had some very good success!

How To use Neem Oil In The Garden 

If it is used specifically and correctly Neem oil is not toxic to wildlife and pets, but you need to use it properly and carefully.

There are two ways to use Neem oil and I would suggest that you use them both if facing a fungal or insect attack that nature is not solving by herself. 

Never use it in the daytime or in sunlight, this is bad for the plant and bad for the beneficial insects and predators in the garden. 

1. For Drenching The Soil.

First of all give the plant a good soaking of water until it runs out of the base.  The reason you water before hand is so that the soil gets wet, if you pour it on very dry soil it will just run straight through and you will waste the mixture. Then mix about two tablespoons of Neem oil with about a gallon of water and a small amount of mild liquid soap or washing up liquid. Shake it all up, then pour it around the base of the soil. If you don't need that much just adjust the ratios accordingly, it does not have to be too precise. 

2. Spray Leaves

Then next you need to spray the leaves with the same mixture but in a spray bottle. Any spray bottle will do but it must be clean and not contaminated with any other chemicals. It is best to buy a new clear spray bottle and clearly label it. Spray the neem mix on the stems of the plant and both the top side and underside of the leaves. You can spray any left over on the soil around  the plant.  

The mixture needs to be applied about once a week. However if it rains then you need to reapply as soon is convenient once it has stopped raining. Watch for any signs for the disease or attack returning. When you think it is all clear then stop the applications. I have found I need to do it about three times before I can be fairly certain of success. 

You can use pure Neem oil and do the mix yourself, which is what I usually do, or for convenience you can buy a ready made Spray. I have listed both options in this article. 

Neem Oil as Organic Insecticide

Neem oil disrupts the feeding and breeding cycles of many insects. I am always a bit conflicted as I dislike interfering with natures processes, but there are times when I do take the decision to use this more organic method.  I only use it against those that are overwhelming the plant and causing significant damage or will kill the plant.

If they are just a nuisance but do not cause any real damage I leave it. If it is just the temporary look of the plant that is affected I leave it to nature to sort it out.  I prefer to leave natures predators to it. 

If I have to intervene to save the plant, it is said to be effective against many insects considered pests. My main experience with neem oil is with aphids. Neem oil is in my experience most effective against Aphids which this year attacked my Lupins while I was away and came back to an almost decimated plant.

It is best if you first cut away the affected leaves and stems and dispose of them.

 I sprayed with the neem mix three times over 3 weeks and while the older leaves and stems died,  the younger and new growth came through healthy. 

It is also in my experience effective against Whiteflies and spider mites. It acts on their hormones preventing them from laying eggs. I found for me the magic number is to apply neem oil mix three times about a week apart,     both to the leaves and the soil.

Neem Oil As A Fungicide

Neem oil helps with fungal diseases including powdery mildew, rust and black spot.

It assists to prevent fungal spores from germinating and spreading which is especially helpful if you grow plants closer together to help prevent widespread infections. It also usefully provides a protective layer or barrier on the sprayed leaves.

I am happy to use Neem oil under safe conditions for this purpose. In my experience within two or three weeks the situation is under control. 

 Best Naturals 100% Pure Neem Oil, 100% Cold Pressed and Unrefined - 16 OZ (1 Bottle)Check Price Monterey Neem Oil Spray for Plants Ready to Use - for Use on Roses, Flowers, Houseplants, and Vegetables - 32 ozCheck Price

 

How To Use Neem Oil Safely And What To Avoid.

For Plants

• Some plants are very sensitive to Neem oil. It particularly affects those with delicate leaves and is best to avoid. If you do use it on these plants, use a significantly diluted mixture, do a small patch test and watch for a few days.

• Prevention is always better. Ideally, and this goes for all plants really, before any issues arise,  try companion planting with plants that are highly scented and more resistant to the bugs that like to attack. So try Lavender, Garlic, Onions, perhaps Rosemary as companion plants to those you find are vulnerable to pests.

• Never apply in the daytime as it can and will burn and scorch the plant. Wait until dusk. 

• Check over the plant for any beneficial insects before you spray, particularly ladybirds or lady bugs or hoverflies might be on an infested plant. They are predators and do an excellent job of eating pests, so if there are a lot of ladybirds and hoverflies on the plant they may well do the job for you. In that case I would personally leave them to it.

•  However if there is just one ladybird or the plant is clearly overwhelmed with pests, simply remove the one or few ladybirds first. It is another good reason for not spraying in the daytime, wait until the beneficial predators and bees and butterflies are have left or are much less active. 

For Humans 

While generally not harmful to humans there are some important caveats.

• Store it out of reach of children or pets in a safe place.

• Do not have any contact with Neem oil if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Always wear gloves and protective glasses when preparing and spraying the mix as it is irritating to skin and eyes. As I have extremely sensitive skin, I cover up all my skin when using it and wear sunglasses or protective glasses that wraparound. 

• Do not use or prepare the neem pure or mixture near young children or pets, as it is possible they may inhale, lick or eat some of it when it is still wet, which is not advised. 

For Nature And Animals 

• While pretty much non toxic to much of nature like birds, bees and mammals once dry, it is somewhat toxic to fish and aquatic life. So we must never spray near a pond, stream, water barrel or other water source. However Neem oil is not known to contaminate ground water or run off and is biodegradable.  

•  Do not use neem oil during the day as this is when pollinators and many predators are around on your plants. Bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects are at danger when it is still wet. Bees can carry it back to a nest and it could cause harm. Once it is dry the risk is no longer present.  Hence the need to use only at dawn or dusk when they are much less likely to be around.

•  Personally I only use at dusk because you must use it so that it dries before any beneficial insects and pollinators are active. Most of my issues happen in the summer and as it is light so early the bees are often up before I am! Once it dries, in about an hour, it is then harmless to bees, butterflies etc.

Storing and Using Neem Oil

It must be stored in a dark, cool and safe place as if it is exposed to sunshine or bright light and heat it will go off. 

If you are mixing it yourself only make the amount you need to use on that day, as the home mix goes off quite quickly once made up.  

So while I do not really like to use anything on my garden I will sometimes use a Neem oil mixture. I have worked hard to get a good balance and usually have plenty of predators to balance out the pests. Most of the time I allow nature to take its course with predators and prey in the garden and using companion planting.

However, if one of my treasured or sentimental plants is suffering an infestation or disease and the natural predators and processes cannot get it under control, I very carefully use Neem oil in moderation and as little as possible. In my experience it is an effective and economical product

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden by Raintree Annie

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