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Whitefly and aphids

Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
in Problem solving
Hi, any advice on the best way to keep whitefly and aphids under control on chilli and tomato plants grown in a potting shed.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Are these on plants you are overwintering?  If so, the best thing to do is throw the tomato plants away (chances of them doing anything useful next year are miniscule) and defoliate the chillies.  The whitefly eggs will go will the removed leaves and any adult flies still around in the shed will soon die with nothing to feed on.  This is assuming you are in the UK.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
    It was plants from last year, mainly the chillies that all ended up with tiny white bugs all over them. I started a few too late last year as well that I kept indoors over winter to see what they did but again I have just noticed tiny white bugs so have thrown them as they didn't look healthy and the leaves were going brown. I thought I would prepare for battle this year against the bugs. Is it worth planting a few companion plants in the potting shed and which would be best?
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Claire.Bee  Too late for this year, Claire, but, when you next see rhubarb leaves, grab yourself some.  Boil them, strain off the liquid and allow it to cool then, using a cast off household trigger spray, anoint the aphids with it.  Keep a bottle full for when leaves aren't available.  Others will recommend doing similar with soapy water which might solve this year's problem, but I think the acidity of Rhubarb will give it the edge when you have it.
  • Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
    Never heard of using rhubarb leaves, will definitely give that one a go this year, thank you.
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