This is to be the one-stop shop for all our green-fingered frolics and mud-caked mayhem. I'll start: About a fortnight ago I decided to plant a row of Calendula alongside my potting shed. Solid progress duly gladdened my heart... until yesterday, when I noticed a large host of aphids chomping through the leaves of said Calendula. I'm not one for using pesticides, for I will not wantonly harm critters going about their natural business, yet I cannot think of an alternative method for keeping the little blighters away. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
You should curl off a log to the left hand side of the Calendula for no other reason than to signify how **** this thread is. Apart from that, good luck with the plants.
I'd heard about this before, but surely it will harm the pests and other wildlife in the process? I don't want to hurt anything, just deter. Thanks for contributing, though.
Simply spray your plants with soapy water, failing that, spray some water that has had chillies bathing in it for a few days. Not sure if it would work with chilli oil or not.
CONTROL AND PREVENTION HOW TO GET RID OF APHIDS Try spraying cold water on the leaves; sometimes all aphids need is a cool blast to dislodge them. If you have an aphid invasion, dust plants with flour. It constipates the pests. Use commercially available biological aphid controls or by spraying with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. You can often get rid of aphids by wiping or spraying the leaves of the plant with a mild solution of water and a few drops of dishwashing detergent. Stir together 1 quart of water, 1 tsp of liquid dish soap, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Do not dilute before spraying on plants. Organic controls include soapy emulsion, horticultural oil (read the directions), and pyrethrum spray. Soapy water should be reapplied every 2-3 days for 2 weeks. Use homemade garlic or tomato-leaf sprays.
Nope, just an aphid apocalypse. Smart bomb jihad on them particular Infidels. No one else hitches on that particular ride to paradise
Go buy a digitalis or steal one from outside. Plant in a pot. Sit next to marigolds. ??????????? Profit. Aú náturalé
Aphids are part and parcel of living in a back garden. I can offer no advice but I shall make a poster and stand with you in defiance of attacks on the plant community.
Thanks for all the fantastic input, guys. I’m going to knock up a few solutions and see how they go over the next couple of days. I’ll report back as a matter of course. I’m also experiencing issues with a wilting cucumber plant. I’ve moved it all about the garden to increase or reduce shading, yet nothing seems to perk it up. The runners, French onions and tomatoes are coming on beautifully, though.