Neem oil

Cold-pressed extra virgin neem oil was traditionally used in India to keep insects away. This oil protects plants from parasitic insects such as caterpillars, beetle larvae, grasshoppers, red spiders, scale insects and aphids.

Cosmetically, it has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it useful in treating infected skin conditions, such as acne, skin parasites and cutaneous mycosis.

Natural insecticide formula:

• 1 tablespoon neem oil
• 1 tablespoon black soap (or Castile soap)
• 1 liter of water

Mix all ingredients in a one-litre bottle. Shake well and spray the blend both on top and bottom of leaves, either early in the morning or at night. (Avoid direct sunlight.)

As a preventative measure, apply once a week.

In case of infestation, apply twice a week.

With rosebushes, many applications will be necessary during bud formation since this is typically when aphids appear. Once flowers have bloomed, apply once a week while avoiding spraying on blooms.

Grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.