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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

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!

Mauve rose and flowers in garden against white brick wall

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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Monday, March 4, 2024

Reviewing Etsy as a Source for Succulent Shopping

Did you know that Etsy is a great place to buy plants? I did not know that until recently. I was shopping for succulents and saw so many good reviews on many Etsy plant shops that I decided to give it a try. I received my order from QueenofSucculents this week and was thrilled.

I was having a long-distance chat with my grandson recently. I was telling him what I was going to try to winter-sow outside. And vegetables that I wanted to try to grow this year. I listed onions, spinach, lettuce, and so on. He asked if he could make a suggestion. Of course I said yes. I thought he'd tell me about his favorite vegetable. Instead, he listed several interesting and rare succulents.

FUN! Many years ago, I lived where hens and chicks (plants) grew outside. And believe it or not, some sort of cactus grew outside in Indiana. I've also enjoyed growing Aloe Vera and Christmas Cactus indoors off and on over the years. But I haven't had any of those plants for quite awhile.

One of the "rare" or "interesting" plants he listed was a Haworthia Obtusa. I'd never heard of that particular plant so I looked it up. Wow! It was interesting.

With our conversation, I had an urge to have some succulent plants again. And how much better if I could find some Haworthia Obtusa's to grow. I did buy some succulents at a semi-local garden center and nursery.

Succulent Shopping on Etsy

There are so many varieties of Succulents on Etsy. Many types, colors, and prices. There are many shops with great customer ratings and customer photos of the plants they purchased. The difficult thing about choosing a succulent shop was narrowing it down to just one shop for my first order.

I narrowed it down to QueenofSucculents. I was still hesitant. I expected that it was unlikely that my plants received would be the plants in the shop photos. But they were! I received exactly what I was looking at when I ordered.

My plants were packed in a way that kept them safe; a combination of peanuts, paper, and what looked like the stuffing used for stuffed animals.

I also received a teeny-tiny free gift - the cutest little succulent plant ever. Along with a Smart Plant Care card and a thank you/general care card.

I am very pleased with my order and my plants and look forward to adding to my collection of succulents - as soon as I prove to myself that I can keep these plants alive for awhile!

Two Highly Recommended Etsy Succulent Shops:

QueenofSucculents - Based in Santa Cruz, California. All succulents have been "grown by us, hand-picked from nurseries, or imported from Korea".

RareSucculents - A succulent farm in Massachusetts

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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Reviewing Growing Bamboo In Our Garden

A Guide to Bamboo Varieties, Soil Conditions and Care.

Bamboo is such a beautiful and versatile plant. It adds a certain grace and elegance to the garden. As it is generally a tall, green and elegant plant it gives a garden an added dimension and is also very useful. Bamboo is an excellent screening plant for any ugly structure and gives privacy and shade in the garden.

I love the shape of its plentiful leaves and the smooth canes which depending on variety may be of a gorgeous colour. I love the wonderful sound as the wind blows through its foliage.

There are so many types available some suitable for most gardens, some very exotic.

However with Bamboo, maybe more than many other plants it is important to understand the different varieties and the care they require in order for it to be an asset to your garden and not a difficulty.

Varieties of Bamboo

Bamboo comes in various varieties, but they can broadly be classified into two types: clumping Bamboo and running Bamboo and it is vital to know which one you are buying or have inherited in your garden.

Clumping Bamboo

As the name suggests, clumping Bamboo grows in tight, compact clumps. This makes it easy to control and contain. This type of Bamboo is ideal for small gardens or areas where you want to prevent it from spreading too aggressively. Some popular clumping Bamboo varieties include Bambusa multiplex, Fargesia spathacea, and Chusquea culeou. We have a clumping bamboo with beautiful black stems and fresh green leaves with an arching habit and is very well behaved.

Running Bamboo

Running Bamboo tends to spread rapidly through underground rhizomes. The clue is in the name and that it is not easily contained. If not properly managed, it can become very invasive indeed and start popping up all over your lawn and borders and even into neighbours gardens.

Running Bamboo is really much better suited to larger landscapes or areas where its growth can be restricted. It is possible to grow it in a large container where its growth is restricted but I would even play safe and ensure the pot is placed raised on an area of hard standing so that the roots cannot get through to ground easily. Popular running Bamboo varieties include Phyllostachys aurea, Phyllostachys nigra, and Phyllostachys bambusoides.

Care Of Bamboo

Soil Conditions

Every successful plant story starts with the soil conditions being right for the plant. Bamboo is pretty adaptable and can live in a wide range of soil conditions happily and successfully. However it likes most a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is important to note that it really dislikes waterlogged poorly drained soils. We have heavy clay soil but ours lives at the top of a slope which means that it is well drained. So before purchasing a Bamboo it is wise to check your soil structure and type to see if Bamboo will be happy there.

Watering.

Most Bamboos like moist but not waterlogged soil. We found that our Bamboo required regular watering when establishing as a young plant. As with many plants it is better to give a deep watering once a week than a light watering more often. Once established we find there is no need to water as regularly. It is simply a case of watching the weather and watering often and deeply only in dry spells.

Feeding.

Bamboo thrives best with a regular feed in the growing season. This is especially true if we are growing it in a large container or have poor soil. If we are gardening on rich soil you may well need to do a lot less feeding. Our soil is rich and so we now do not need to feed very often. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser when the bamboo is growing will help to promote healthy growth.

Position Of Bamboo

The position Bamboo will thrive in depends on the variety you buy so it is always best to check the details for each plant. Some Bamboo species prefer full sun, others can cope with partial shade. We planted our Bamboo in a sunny south facing position and it is very happy there.

It is vital to research how much space each particular type of Bamboo you are interested in requires. Clumping Bamboo is generally well behaved and can be planted closer to structures or other plants. Ours is near a fence and other plants and does not cause any issues at all.

However running Bamboo should be given lots of space to spread sited far away from your house and other buildings and your neighbours. Give a running Bamboo even more space than you think it needs and do make a barrier to inhibit its spread. Alternatively grow it in a large, very sturdy container.

Bamboo generally grows tall and does cast gorgeous dappled shade and enchanting shadows on any fences and walls. However that does mean that plants living nearby must enjoy living in dappled shade, or even slightly heavier shade so we must choose the plants around a bamboo carefully for all to be happy.

Pruning and Maintenance Of Bamboo

Regular pruning of any Bamboo is really essential to remove any dead, damaged and diseased canes. An unpruned bamboo can also very quickly become crowded and look less attractive. With pruning this allows for better air circulation within the plant and inhibits the spread of diseases.

Pruning a large Bamboo can sometimes feel a little overwhelming so we always start by removing dead or damaged canes at their base. Then we move on to prune individual canes in order to bring light into the plant. I would advise standing back every few cuts to check how the plant looks and how much more you want to prune out.

It is important to prune each cane at ground level. I have seen Bamboo chopped off halfway so it ends up being three or four foot high and it always just looks odd to me to reduce the height of this graceful plant. We prune by thinning out the canes at ground level, which produces a manageable plant with a very graceful habit allowing air and circulation through and a healthier plant. I also like to prune off the lower leaves thereby showing off the really beautiful colour of the canes to full advantage.

We use our tall prunings as supports for other plants. They are very strong and can be cut to a desired length. We prune from the ground and then allow them to dry then they are used all over the garden to act as supports for other climbers. We often tie four or five of them together to form a wigwam shape for climbers to grow up.

If you do not have a Bamboo plant you can buy these very useful Bamboo sticks. They are very good for growing tomatoes, beans and peas and supporting young plant growth.

Mininfa Natural Bamboo Stakes 3 Feet, Eco-Friendly Garden Stakes, Plant Stakes Supports Climbing for Tomatoes, Trees, Beans, 25 Pack

Containing A Running Bamboo

If you are planting running Bamboo, it's crucial to install a barrier around its edge to prevent it spreading too far and wide. Use a very tough barrier such as metal at least 18 inches deep to try to control the rhizomes. Even so do keep a watch on it as it can easily escape.

Personally, I would only grow running Bamboo, beautiful as it is, in a large container on a patio, never in my garden. We do not have a large garden and have buildings and neighbours close by so it really is not practical. For us we would always grow a clumping Bamboo for its grace and beauty.

Bamboo At Kew Gardens.

We were lucky to visit Kew Gardens, London and see some of the Bamboos in the Palm House there. They were truly amazing plants, so tall and with such beautiful canes and leaves. Here are a few photographs I hope you enjoy.

Close Up Of A Bamboo Cane At Kew Gardens

Bamboo is A Beautiful Addition To The Garden

With a little knowledge and care Bamboo can be a beautiful graceful and welcome addition to the garden. I love its gorgeous foliage and the relaxing sounds and how it sways in the wind.

As most are evergreen you see its beauty all winter and it looks lovely covered in frost or snow as it does when the sunlight shines through it or the raindrops gather.

Bamboo is an excellent screening plant to cover up an ugly fence, the bins or just to give you more privacy in a part of the garden or away from the neighbours. Just make sure you get a suitable variety for your garden and check carefully what type you are buying.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

A Review Of The Elaeagnus Shrub In The Garden.

Lets me introduce you to Elaeagnus. This is a shrub I would not be without in my garden, yet is not a garden plant that many of us would seek out. She is a very unassuming shrub but if we look closer really rather beautiful and very practical and valuable in the garden.

Many of us want gorgeous colourful flowers and impressive trees, maybe even exquisite alpines. They are so beautiful and often colourful, we would always want them in a garden.

However, it is easy to overlook the real workhorses of the garden, the plants that provide us long lasting green background, cover for birds and green in the depths of winter and a foil for all the other showy beauties.

Such is the Elaeagnus shrub. She is a bold, beautiful, hardy, vigorous and easy to care for plant in the garden.

We have an evergreen variety and I love the leaves which are thick and resilient dark green and an unexpected and striking silver underneath. This is particularly evident on a windy day when you can see the shrub waving in the wind and flashes of bright silver even on a dull day.

I was very impressed with Elaeagnus in the drought we had last summer, 40 degree heat and fierce sunshine. She was one of the few plants whose leaves did not scorch and she survived with no watering at all. She even grew a good 3 foot this summer!

I love that this shrub can be evergreen if you choose the right variety and if you choose a dark evergreen that other more showy flowers and roses look just beautiful against.

She also provides shelter for other plants from the intense sun and the wind. As she can grow quite dense she also provided shelter from snow and cold this winter.

All this is great in the garden but the real surprise comes when tiny white flowers, easy to miss appear on the leaves.

Before you even see the flowers you start to notice a beautiful scent in the air which smells to me like honey and sweet perfume and if you move closer and take in the scent of these flowers it is gorgeous.

There are many varieties of Elaeagnus with slightly different needs, some evergreen, some deciduous, some one green colour, others variagated. Most have small insignificant flowers that have a gorgeous scent that can fill a small garden beautifully.

Foliage colours also vary from dark green with silver or white undersides or silvery foliage, or golden with green. Pollinators seem to like these little flowers as well.

Many are large shrubs but there are also dwarf varieties for a smaller garden or a container garden.

Once it becomes a more dense shrub the birds like to hide and seek shelter in it. I am hoping that now our shrubs are larger, birds will nest in it.

Care Of Elaeagnus

This is an easy-care vigorous and strong shrub with thick leaves. Most of the care is in the early years to keep it well watered.

After that apart from pruning to the desired height and width it can take care of itself. An application of mulch each spring will be beneficial though I have to say I have not always done this and the shrub is doing very well.

Ideally, plant a young shrub in autumn into the soil. However especially if you have a compact variety you can also plant it into a large container in free draining soil.

Where To Plant

Many Elaeagnus shrubs ideally like to grow in full sun though I have one in part shade and she is perfectly happy. Check the varieties for what they most enjoy.

They can grow in a variety of soil types though they do prefer well drained soil. However, our soil is heavy clay and our plants are growing very well.

It copes with most weather from drought to cold very well and for me is a real workhorse of the garden and a plant I do not need to worry about.

Pruning

Elaeagnus is a strong very vigorous shrub and grows rapidly. Although it does not need any pruning to be healthy, in a small or average size garden I would advise pruning at least once a year then it is easily done with good quality secateurs.

However, if you leave it too long or let it get too big, it will be a bigger and more arduous task needing more heavy duty tools.

With regular pruning, I find this shrub very easy to prune with secateurs after flowering as long as you do it from being a young plant. I never let it get so big that I need shears or a saw to prune it.

It is very vigorous but I find it easy to keep to the height I want and in our conditions, which are less than perfect for this plant, it stays under control as much as any of our other shrubs.

National Plant Network Eleagnus-2 Piece Live Plant, Green-Silver-Brown Foliage

Propagation.

Once you have one shrub you can easily make more. I find that cuttings are very easy to take and grow on well.

We just take 5cm semi ripe cuttings in the summer. These are stems that are soft at the tip and woodier at the base, growth that is from this year's current growth.

As with most cuttings simply remove the lower leaves, leave a couple at the top then inset the cutting gently into a pot of well drained compost.

You can ideally cover loosely with a polythene bag so that the levels of humidity remain high, but I have found they take very well even without it.

Keep the soil moist and pot onto individual pots once they make roots.

A Vigorous Shrub

Please note, this is a very vigorous shrub; in some conditions and countries, it can become invasive. I have found this to be fine in our garden and love having this shrub, but do check locally to see if it may be an issue for your garden. In some countries where conditions are different and more perfect and for some varieties, it is known as an invasive shrub. So if you are interested do check for your local conditions and seek advice as you do not want to plant an invasive shrub in your garden.

If you are concerned that this shrub might be too vigorous or invasive in your garden growing a compact variety in a sturdy pot might be a good compromise and that will inhibit its growth as well.

How To Use Elaeagnus In The Garden

Grow as a very effective screening hedge or train as an elegant single plant as a standard. This is especially good if you choose an evergreen variety.
Ideally, this is a shrub to plant in the soil but if that is not an option for you try growing it in a smaller pot first and graduating up to the largest pot you can find in good free draining soil.
Alternatively, simply buy a compact variety of this shrub which can then be grown and live its life in a container.
If you do want to grow it as a hedge allow the leaves to grow right from the base of the shrub to provide cover and density. Evergreen varieties are best for a hedge.
However, if you think the shrub will be too vigorous or invasive, grow it in such a way that you prune all the lower leaves away to expose the stem to make it more of a standard plant. In this way, you can control it better and even grow it in a large pot as a specimen shrub.
We grow ours in two ways one plant is grown as a hedge to screen off an area of the garden and the garage and the other is more of a standard plant next to a holly tree.
It is also a great shrub to grow near the bins to screen them off and provides a lovely scent when it flowers, It is good to grow near an area where you might sit in the autumn/fall so you can enjoy the scent when it flowers.
Grow other colourful plants, climbers, perennials or annuals in front of it so that it provides an effective foil for them.
If you enjoy flowers in your home the strong cut stems of Elaeagnus are lovely to use when doing flower arranging and are long lasting for your foliage arrangement and in a mixed flower and foliage display.

Hedges and Living Boundaries (A Gardener's Guide To)

So while we enjoy and bask in the beauty and colour of the gorgeous flowers and bulbs, we spare a thought and a place in our gardens for the evergreen workhorses of the garden. These shrubs give us foliage all winter, cover for wildlife, screening and privacy for us and a perfect foil for all the pretty climbers, roses, flowers and joyful colours.