July 17, 2004

Aphids

All over my roses. I'm going to spray them off now, but can anyone recommend a way to keep them off so they're not coming back - that keeps in mind I hate chemicals, have a nine year old with asthma, and a overly-friendly dog next door?

Posted by Liz at July 17, 2004 5:24 PM
Comments

Djinn says, "Ladybugs."

Posted by: Mark W. at July 17, 2004 7:51 PM

Ditto what Djinn says. You can actually *buy* lady bugs by the bagful at many local garden centers. (English Gardens comes to mind, though that isn't exactly local for you...)

Posted by: Gemma at July 20, 2004 9:17 AM

Thanks ladies. I knew lady bugs, but I thought you could only get them via mail order - didn't realize I could buy some locally.

Posted by: LizT at July 21, 2004 8:41 AM

I'm probably way too late for this one, but spray everything down with water before you release the ladybugs. The first they do on release is look for a good long drink.

And if the aphids persist - the spray you want is water with enough dishsoap in it to tint the water a bit. It should suds up lightly when you shake the sprayer. (I use dawn blue dishsoap, and I just know when I've got the right amount. Experiment a bit and you will too.) The caution on this one is to not spray in direct sun, or on roses late in the evening - one will burn the leaves, the other encourages black spot. And columbines don't like dishsoap, but if you trim off the scalded leaves, more grow back.

Posted by: jenn at July 22, 2004 7:35 PM