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Problem pests

Gardeninggirl36Gardeninggirl36 Posts: 36
in Problem solving
Im all new to this gardening but am really enjoying being outside in the peace and quiet and learning lots of new things. I’ve was going to deadhead some of the lupins and noticed the top parts are all completely covered in greenfly. When watering my dahlias and nasturtiums I noticed that they are covered in black fly. They are completely different ends of the garden. What I am I doing wrong, should I be doing anything to the plants in my garden as a preventative measure or is it just a case of spraying the plants when I spot any green/ black fly. Feeling really disheartened at the moment as also been trying to grow some vegetables but had problems as they were attacked by spider mites. I understand that there are going to be these pests in the garden but if anyone could offer advice or tips of what I could do to prevent/ minimize these problems would be appreciated so that my plants are much healthier .

Posts

  • bullfinchbullfinch Posts: 683
    Hello! Sorry, I can't help with veg as I don't grow any. But I have a few bird feeders, and I've found that the sparrows and blue tits often perch on the stems of plants which have aphids and eat them. Although I still have the aphids here and there, they aren't a huge problem. If you can avoid spraying it's much better for the good insects you do want to attract.
  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    Yes, try not to use chemicals and attract birds instead.  The easiest thing to use against things like aphids and black fly is a teaspoon of liquid soap in a litre spray bottle. Use the purest soap you can find, not stuff with additives and fragrance.   Spray every days for a few days and they'll vanish...
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Don't be disheartened! It's been a TERRIBLE year for aphids.
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,583
    Use the manual method. Squash the little blighters with your fingers. It's a bit messy but works a treat.
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,501
    I hardly ever see an aphid except in the greenhouse now, they don't stand a chance.
    Not a cheap option mind - all the birds have brought their babies to the bird feeders, and several days recently the fatball feeders have been completely emptied!
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