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Frugal Gardening

Need alternative to horticulture oil

20 years ago

I posted this on the garden clinic forum, but that one is VERY slow and I kinda need an answer. So here I am:)

I have been told that the stuff on my camellia is scale. Here is a pic.

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And another just for good measure.

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And I know I have aphids on my gardenia bush. So I was told that to get rid of the scale I needed to use horticulture oil. However, I have zero money to go buy it. But I really need to get this taken care of cause I have brand new plants by it that I am scared are going to get "infected". So I was wondering if I could use regular vegetable oil or maybe canola oil as a substitute? Anyone have any ideas?

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Comments (2)

socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
20 years ago
I had scale on my camellia. I was able to wash it off (with scrubbing). If your plant isn't too big, it's a labor-intensive but inexpensive treatment.
girlndocs
20 years ago
Over on the Organic Rose Growing forum I believe they say a light vegetable oil can be substituted. You might want to do a search there in case I forgot some caveat or another, though.

I made Cornell formula for my roses using grapeseed oil from my kitchen and it went fine. You're aware that oil can cause serious "burn" on hot sunny days, though, right?

Kristin
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