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sweet peas overrun with greenfly

selinasallyselinasally Posts: 166
in Problem solving
I went away for 3 days and came back and the 2 wigwams with sweet peas are overrun with greenfly - I have sprayed them with a bug spray- but wondering if I cut them back at the tips where they are mainly located would the sweet peas sprout up again ?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You only need to give them a jet from a hose or similar, or wipe with your hand to remove them.  Using a chemical deterrent also affects any predators, not just the aphid.

    At this time of year, nipping out the tops would tend to stop growth, as they're annuals. In early spring, or over winter, it creates a bushier plants.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    Fairygirl

    Is it OK to use very diluted washing up liquid to clear greenfly/aphids etc. ?
    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Yes, or the liquid from boiled rhubarb leaves, decanted into a household trigger spray.  I think it's mainly the high concentration of salt in washing up liquid (used as a thickening agent) that aphids don't like.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited July 2021
    Not really needed - water is all that's required. Anything else is a bit pointless and a waste of time and resources.  :)
    Washing up liquid, even very dilute,  apparently causes them to explode   :o
    Much as I dislike them [although I don't get much bother from them here] that put me off using it when I found out!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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