Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Neem Seed Meal, Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Raised Beds 6-1-2, 5 lb

Why do I love neem seed meal so much? Not only is it an ideal organic slow-release fertilizer — it’s also a highly effective pest control substance for so many reasons. I’m not sure why they don’t advertise that pest-fighting fact more openly with this product...Before I found neem seed meal, I was constantly battling aphid invasions, cabbage loopers, tobacco/tomato hornworms, and more! And while it doesn’t completely eliminate all pests, the neem most definitely keeps them at bay, yet at the same time, nonetheless allows nature to still do its “thing” (i.e., neem doesn’t seem to kill/repel beneficial critters like spiders, ladybugs, and other pest-devouring predators that help out in the garden).So quite honestly, neem seed meal has been a miracle worker for my patio garden and its large containers (20-30 gallon felt smart pots — which have also revolutionized my gardening; they’re not the most attractive containers, but wow, they really do result in larger, healthier, more productive plants... sorry for tangent!).As for the application itself, from the start, I mix plenty of neem meal into the potting soil before planting (hard to overdo it with organic, slower-release fertilizers like these, so the more the merrier in my book). I’ll then use the neem as a top dress from time to time (maybe monthly) thereafter. That system has been part of my regular fertilizing routine for a couple years now, and it certainly seems to do a ton of good!Admittedly, I’ve never used neem seed meal as a sprayed foliar feed. If I want to apply neem that way, I’ll use a bottled neem concentrate mixed with plenty of water (the concentrate by the way smells so bad; the best way I can describe the odor is like a very weird combo of semi-rancid garlic and peanut butter... whereas neem meal itself like this product kind of smells similarly pungent, it’s nothing like the concentrate; plus the smell dissipates quickly by comparison).So yes, neem meal is a wonderful pest control secret, especially for all the dedicated organic gardeners out there like me. All that said, be sure to balance the neem out with something like crab meal and/or a fish/kelp liquid to keep your pH and NPK levels on track (this is of utmost importance in container gardens, where each pot/plant has its own requirements — like squash or tomatoes needing certain nutrients to avoid blossom end rot, or how my flowering ornamentals appreciate additional fertilizers for maximizing blooms).Bottom line: neem is an underrated fertilizer, especially when factoring in the pest control feature!

One of the best ways to use this is to make Neem seed meal tea, add 2-3 tbsp to a gallon of water, let sit 48 hrs then strain into a pump plant sprayer and spray your plants. its been effective for aphids, white fly and all around general plant health. This is finely ground which is important when making this tea. I tried another brand that I purchased on Amazon that didn't disolve well and was very course in texture.BTW it doesn't smell good, but plants love it.

I was just singing the praises of neem seed meal in one of my gardening groups. I bought the 5lb box last year, but didn't really start using it in earnest until this year. I have a small patio container garden. I use the neem seed meal as fertilizer for all my plants--mixing it with the soil as part of my seed starting mix or for my containers for transplants. I also use it in conjunction with my 5-1-1 fish emulsion (a tablespoon added in the gallon jug with the stinky fish stuff). Sometimes I'll sidedress with the neem seed meal, making sure I mix it in thoroughly in the top couple inches of soil so it won't mold up. The bottom line is, you don't need to use a ton of this in order for your plants to reap the benefits of it. This year is the 1st year I haven't had to cover up my kale, cabbage, Chinese broccoli or Brussels Sprouts to protect them from green cabbage worms or aphids. All my plants (including tomatoes and peppers) are so green, lush and strong this year since I've been using the neem seed meal. And not much pest pressure to deal with either. Great stuff!

I think the DTE neem seed meal is a great value proposition for organic gardeners. A little bit mixed into the soil serves two purposes for you plants, both acting as a slow release fertilizer and providing organic pest control. It's safe for use in gardens with pets and those teaming with pollinators.I use neem seed meal primarily as a pest control solution in the garden. It helps soil biology and provides a level of pest prevention as the plant feeds on the nutrients. It's not a great solution for heavily infested gardens, but it can act as a preventative to some degree, giving your garden the chance to survive.The only drawback is that it smells like a swamp at low tide. My whole patio where I keep a number of containers smells so strongly of neem that even when I'm inside I can't get the scent out of my nose. But to me it's worth it.

Love the amount. Works better than expected to reduce pest pressure in veggie garden. Can it work on ROSES?