Greenfly already?????

catman · Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:25 am Post subject: Greenfly already?????

I was lucky enough to get my first chance this year to get out into the garden on Sunday. After such a harsh winter I was delighted to see the early signs of life on all my plants with buds and new growth coming through. But there was one sign of life that I couldn't believe my eyes seeing so early!!! There were greenfly on my roses tucking into the new growth that was peaking through. I had hoped that the hard winter had at least killed off some of the garden pests but obviously not. I will have to get the blackspot and greenfly spray out tomorrow and give them a good dose. Anybody know somewhere near Kilkenny that I can buy ladybirds?
The fun all starts again!!!!!!!

monkeynic · Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 6:22 pm Post subject:

I didnt know you could buy ladybirds? What do you do with them?

cathd · Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:46 pm Post subject:

Careful of spraying if you're hoping to use ladybirds- they're very sensitive to chemicals. (more sensitive than many of the companies making sprays would let on!). Being a predator they will not only absorb chemicals from the plants but get a cumulative dose if their prey have absorbed any.
Compost teas can be good for reducing aphid attacks. Seep compost (home made) in de-chlorinated or rain water. If you have an aquarium pump or fountain bubbler even better. leave for about 24 hours, sieve and spray.
Vermicompost (worm compost) works even better.

Foxylock · Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 10:33 pm Post subject:

mail order ladybirds here http://www.mrmiddleton.com

catman · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:40 am Post subject:

Thanks Foxylock. I was actually kidding when I asked if anyone knew where I could buy Ladybirds. I didn't know you could buy them!!!!! You learn something new everyday.

Foxylock · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:34 pm Post subject:

If you're willing to buy there's always someone willing to supply Laughing

hitbit · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 6:01 pm Post subject: Ladybirds

Hi All,
Ladybirds, very interesting indeed. Anyone have any information that might help me establish them in my garden. We rarely see them in Dublin nowadays. If I were to purchase a ladybird tower and ladybirds from mrmiddleton where would be best to site it. We don't have any grass in back garden just decking, flowerbed, pots and some small trees. We also have a bird feeding station. Would the ladybirds be at risk from the birds.Wuld they not just fly away. Any info would be appreciated.

Hitbit