flying critters
marc herbert
Posts: 7
Hi, i have recently moved into my first new house and in doing so have aqquired my very own garden. i have always been an enthusuatic gardener but have only ever grown things for other people, until now. i have purchased some already established plants from a garden center and i have grown a few from seeds. i have also rescued a couple of chrysanthemums which i am very proud of, however i am being plagued by all maner of flying pests. i have black fly, green fly and aphid (as well as some i dont even recognise) i havent noticed any lady birds in my garden as yet so they arent giving me a hand. i was wondering if anyone could recommend a good insectorside. i have tried the cheap stuff from the pound shop (i know, i know) as well as soapy water but nothing seems to be working. PLEASE HELP, if not for me do it for my chrysanthemums.
many thanks in advance
Posts
I would recommend no insecticides, ever.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I say it whenever the opportunity arises Jo. and sometimes when it doesn't
A couple of weeks ago I walked around my garden with a friend. She remarked on the number of butterflies, several first sighting for her this year. I wondered why none in her garden. When we got to a shrub with aphids on it she told me what to spray it with. That gave me the answer.
The aphids have since been eaten/died/moved on. Shrub looks fine
In the sticks near Peterborough
If you use insecticides you'll never have ladybirds or any of the other wonderful insects that prey on aphids.
I brush the aphids off between my finger and thumb - if you're squeamish use a soft paintbrush. If you can't reach use a jet of water from the hose.
Ladybirds and wasps will come in the warmer weather and help you out.
Also, hang bird feeders with suet pellets and sunflower hearts near to the plants that have aphids - the bluetits will be attracted by them, then they will see the aphids - caviar for bluetits and lots of other small birds
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
thank you dovefromabove. i will give it a go, i dont mind using my fingers to get rid of them i was worried i would damage the plant/flower
Just be gentle, you don't have to get every last one off, leave a few for the ladybirds and bluetits when they come along
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.