Organic solution for aphids

avs0020 · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 1:52 pm Post subject: Organic solution for aphids

Hi there. Does anyone have a successful recipe for an organic spray that will pop off the aphids without affecting the very few ladybirds I have in my garden? Also is there any organic solution for blackspot? Dont have any signs yet but I'm being proactive. Thanks

Foxylock · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 3:56 pm Post subject:

Use a tomato leaf spray for the aphids, heres the recipie : Finely chop one to two cups of healthy tomato leaves, soak overnight in two cups of water. Next morning, strain the mixture keeping the liquid and add two more cups of water, spray this on your aphids and bob's your uncle. Alternatively a strong jet of water will knock the divils off.

As for the blackspot, prevention is better then cure. Prune so to allow air to flow freely through the plant, cut out and destroy all affected parts of the plant, also blackspot loves moist conditions so when watering try to avoid wetting the leaves. If it does strike then try this mixture : 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one quart of water and add a dash of washing up liquid, spray the plant thoroughly. THis is not a cure but it may help to control the disease. Happy hunting Laughing

avs0020 · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 7:36 pm Post subject:

Wow. That's terrific. Thanks so much

Protein · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 8:46 pm Post subject:

I assume as your post is about aphids and black spot, you must be referring to your roses.

Another solution is allow a nettle to grow at the base of rose - this will deter* aphids.

*it won't completely obliterate them, but keep number very very low.

SorchaBC · Posted: Sun May 09, 2010 8:04 pm Post subject:

Middleton's do a range of mites and neomodes (sp) that can be introduced into your garden and will kill off aphids/slugs/red spider mites. There's different ones for different problems, and they also sell ladybirds and ladybird habitats.

In the autumn if you leave a few small bundles of twigs amongst the roses the ladybirds can use them to overwinter (and you can save money on habitats) and they'll be there from the start the next year.

I'm no expert, but I can research like a demon, so this is all theory, not yet practice. Well, not my practice anyway, but it is the practice of gardeners much more experienced that I...!

Hope you stay blackspot/aphid free Very Happy