Gardeners understand that the connection between our health and the food we grow must be preserved from seed to plate. That’s why plant-derived ingredients are a good choice for pest control in edible gardens. And no pest control ingredient has more ancient roots than neem oil, which has been prized for thousands of years for its many benefits.

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) originates from the Indian subcontinent. The oil pressed from its fruit and seeds has been utilized for its pest-control properties since the fourth century, when Indian farmers hung neem tree branches in their granaries to ward off insects.

As the active ingredient in Garden Safe® Brand Fungicide3® ready-to-use and concentrate products, clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil is absorbed through the roots and leaves of garden plants. It harnesses the neem seed’s ancient properties to destroy insects, including aphids, spider mites, scale, white­flies and beetles, as well as prevent and treat common fungal diseases, including rust, powdery mildew and black spot (see the product labels for complete lists of insects and diseases controlled). Garden Safe® Brand Fungicide3® ready-to-use and can be used in and around the home and home garden.

Garden Safe® Brand Fungicide3® Concentrate should be diluted with water by following instructions on the packaging – a little goes a long way in the garden, so make sure to measure carefully so there’s no harm done to your veggies or ornamentals. As with all oil-based products, time applications to early morning or late evening to minimize the potential for leaf burn.

How does clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil work?

• This ingredient contains many components that work in different ways to target plant disease, insects and mites.
• For plant fungus to spread, it must be able to germinate by releasing spores into the environment to penetrate a new plant. Clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil is thought to work by blocking germination, which reduces the chances of fungal diseases running rampant in the garden.
• When an insect contacts treated plant material, it hinders their ability to feed. Additionally, clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil is believed to coat the insect’s exoskeleton, causing suffocation.
• Clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil is also thought to disrupt insects in developmental stages by preventing molting and further development.

Neem oil-based gardening products like Garden Safe® Brand Fungicide3® and Garden Safe® Brand Fungicide3® Concentrate are time-tested, multi-faceted pest control options that should be in every gardener’s toolbox. Give this active ingredient a try to eliminate the guesswork when you’re not sure what ails your plants, fruits or veggies.