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Spraying roses

l_harknessl_harkness Posts: 11
in Problem solving
 I sprayed my roses yesterday as I discovered they has greenfly on them however about 5-6 hours later it started to rain and rained on and off all night. Will this have washed off the spray do i need to respray? I am new to gardening so unsure what to do. Any advise would be appreciated

Posts

  • Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,394
    I'd advise against spraying. It's unnecessary, let natural predators take care of the greenfly.

    The damage they do is generally only cosmetic anyway, they won't do any long term harm to your plants.

    if they're really bothering you then squish them with your fingers or blast them off with a jet of water from the hose.

    Spraying insecticide just runs the risk of you killing off helpful critters like ladybirds and bees.
    East Yorkshire
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Never spray my roses ... we feed the birds in he garden throw out the year and now my rosebushes are full of baby bluetits eating what aphids are left when the ladybirds and hoverflies have had their fill. 
    There’s no aphid damage on my roses and no chemical damage to the plants or wildlife. 

    If you start off that way you’ll create a balance in your garden. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Fishy65Fishy65 Posts: 2,276
    Agree completely with both replies. Spraying chemicals is never a good idea as they infiltrate the whole ecosystem of your garden. Your roses will survive.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Another here.  Never spray my roses.  Let the ladybirds, hoverflies, lacewigs and birds have their fill and it will all balance out.  
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • l_harknessl_harkness Posts: 11
    That's everyone for your advise
  • Joy*Joy* Posts: 571
    My new garden has been host to aphids but I have managed to control them by spraying with water and a very small amount of washing up liquid- half a teaspoonful in 2 litres of water. If any ladybirds were spotted, I left them to eat their fill. So far, both the ladybirds and I have kept the plants clean. The warm humid conditions have led to a lot of new growth which is excellent food for aphids and we don't have as many insect predators yet.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Unfortunately, if used too freely, the soapy water trick also harms the predators and they always arrive after the pests.   Sometimes a bit of patience is needed.

    It's not as if aphids are gong to strip a plant bare like some caterillars and sawfly larvae wll do.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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