Neem cake

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
Have not found much info about it, I was about to buy some from neem resource. I use all organic soil amendments so im trying to find a good amendment to keep away gnats. I recycle and reuse my soil each harvest. I heard neem cake will kill and keep away gnats but have not seen much confirmation. Has anyone tried it for gnat control?
 

Fastslappy

Well-Known Member
I use in tea neem has helped but as a part of a pest management that includes BT
Adds sulfur as well help with pests
 

Dr. Who

Well-Known Member
I just use a BT product and boom, no gnats.

As far as the neem goes. many folks use it in building soils.
I (and this is personal choice here) am suspect of neem's antibacterial properties.....I'm me, and other guys run it in their soils with no problems reported, OR that I can "see". It's still my choice.

I have also never been a fan of "Neem". I don't like any "oils" around my plant and it's now being discovered that neem is much more toxic then thought! My choice again....(we all have our druthers)
 

Richard Drysift

Well-Known Member
I started using neem seed meal in my recycling soil about a year ago and have not seen a gnat or any other pest around my plants since then. I imagine neem cake would give similar results. Add it into a bin with some root balls from harvested plants just like any other dry amendment, hydrate, and allow to set for a month. Probably could also add to an outdoor compost pile but it certainly works when added to your mix globally and allowed to cook in. I add about a cup & 1/2 of neem seed meal per approx 40 gal of soil. It also provides some npk value to boot though it takes awhile to break down; a slow release amendment.
 

BigTexan

Well-Known Member
Over watering is not a problem, its the stored dirt I have. In order for it to stay viable, (living organisms) it has to stay moist. With all that organic material in there they feed off it and thrive. Id like to put something in the soil to keep them away for good because they sometimes jump ship and go eat my fresh clones.
 

Fastslappy

Well-Known Member
Over watering is not a problem, its the stored dirt I have. In order for it to stay viable, (living organisms) it has to stay moist. With all that organic material in there they feed off it and thrive. Id like to put something in the soil to keep them away for good because they sometimes jump ship and go eat my fresh clones.
use natrol (BT) myself I grow it out in gallon jugs for 24 hrs 1st 1/4 tsp per gallon of Natrol (BT) tiny bit of molasses will boost growth keep room temp outta direct sunlight but not darkness either no need to bubble
then apply liberally to the stored soil, the fungus nate worms will die off slowly in a week of so , have a tight lid on the soil
at anytime U need to add moisture to the soil use the BT tea
i store soil as well
 
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