For those who love gardening and care about our environment, using natural solutions is becoming really popular. One such wonderful natural option is neem cake powder, also called neem khali. It’s made from the seeds of the neem tree (scientifically known as Azadirachta indica), and it brings several benefits for both plants and the soil they grow in. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at neem cake powder for plants or neem khali uses– from what it is, why it’s good, how to use it to how much neem cake to use, and how it works as both a super fertilizer and a superhero against pests.
What’s Neem Khali All About?
Neem cake, also known as neem khali, is made from the leftover seeds of the neem tree after neem oil production. Apparently, these trees are primarily found in India. The leftover seeds undergo a few more steps and are ultimately ground up to create neem cake powder. What’s fascinating about this natural substance is that it contains essential nutrients and other components that significantly benefit both plants and soil.
Benefits Of Neem Khali Uses For Plants
Neem cake powder is very effective for plants, its use in solid or liquid form has immense benefits for the plants of our home gardens, so let’s know the benefits of neem cake/neem khali for plants:
Nutrient Boost: Neem cake is a natural source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), these things are like superfoods for plants. It also contains micronutrients like sulfur, magnesium, and calcium that plants need.
Soil Helper: Neem Khali does magic for the soil. It makes the soil hold water better and lets air in. Plus, it helps the soil stay not too sour or too sweet and stops it from getting too hard.
Pest Control: This organic insecticide neem cake contains bioactive compounds including azadirachtin, which can inhibit and disrupt the life cycle of many pests. This is a great natural solution to help protect plants and gardens.
Disease Shield: Neem cake can also fight off bad stuff that tries to hurt plants. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can prevent certain soil-borne diseases and infections, safeguarding plant health.
(Read more: Organic Fertilizers: Types, and Benefits for Gardening…)
How to Use Neem Cake Fertilizer – Two Simple Ways
You can use neem cake in different ways, here are two common methods of application:
Way 1: Mix It with Soil Before Or After Planting
- Mix neem cake powder with the soil before planting. Add around 100-200 grams of neem cake for every kilogram of soil. This helps plants get a slow release of nutrients and keeps pests away as they grow.
- To use neem cake in the pot after planting, sprinkle 100 grams of neem cake evenly on the upper soil of the pot and then mix it well with the soil up to 1 inch deep using any gardening tool.
- Water the soil thoroughly after applying neem cake to help it integrate with the soil.
Way 2: Make Neem Cake Liquid Fertilizer
- Take about 50 grams of neem cake powder and mix it in 1 liter of water. Keep it for a day (24 hours).
- Keep stirring the mixture occasionally – this helps the good stuff come out.
- After a day, filter the liquid. You can use this liquid as a foliar spray or pour it on the roots.
- For best results, dilute it with water before application.
- It is recommended to apply neem cake liquid fertilizer during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid sunburn on plant leaves. Use it as a foliar spray or root drench every 2-4 weeks.
(Read more: How To Use Cow Dung Manure Fertilizer In Your Home Garden….)
Tips for Putting Neem Cake on Plants
- It’s advisable not to put neem cake right on plant roots. Too much can slow down root growth for a bit.
- You can mix neem cake with other organic fertilizers to make plants super happy.
- For plants in pots, apply neem cake into the soil or sprinkle it on top.
Where to Buy Neem Cake Powder?
You can buy neem cake powder for plants or neem cake from gardening stores or online. We really recommend buying online as it is more convenient and easily available. You can buy it from a reputed company like organicbazar.net, where you can get neem cake and neem cake powder at an affordable price. Apart from this, you can also get all types of gardening products from seeds to bulbs, from grow bags to pots, in one place.
FAQ
Can Neem Cake Fertilizer Be Used in Any Season?
Yes, neem cake can be used year-round. However, it may be particularly beneficial during the growing season to promote plant health and deter pests.
Does Neem Cake Contain NPK?
Yes, neem cake contains a good amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The NPK ratio in neem cake powder is usually around 4-1-2, but it can go up to a maximum of 6-1-2.
Is Neem Cake a Good Fertilizer?
Absolutely, neem cake is an excellent natural fertilizer. It’s full of good things for plants and helps control pests too.
How to Put Dry Neem Cake Fertilizer in Soil?
You need to just sprinkle the right amount of neem cake on the soil’s top layer and gently mix it in. Then give the soil a deep water.
Does Neem Cake Fertilizer Harm Bees and Useful Insects?
Neem cakes are primarily used to affect insects that feed on plants. Bees and other beneficial insects are generally not harmed by their application.
(Read more: Epsom Salt for Plants: A Natural Boost for Your Garden…)
Hope you liked this information in which I have discussed what is neem cake powder, neem khali uses for plants, and how to use neem cake. Share this post on the uses of neem Khali and avail the benefits of using neem Khali for plants. Leave a comment and share your thoughts/advice on this article.