this year I have a real problem with black aphids. at first there were green aphids on our roses. then I put in nasturtiums and the black aphids are thick on the nasturtiums, and moving onto the hydrangea and the roses. how can I best get rid of them without pesticides?
...gently squish them between your fingers. Works well. Just don't think about it too much the first few times :) Hosing the plant vigorously daily helps too, if it is the kind of plant that will tolerate this treatment. I do this in the morning when it's sunny so as not to encourage mildews & other fungi (don't know if the timing is important or not...oh well) Nasturtiums are blackfly magnets in my yard. I just gave up growing them, unfortunately. My 2 cents worth gb
I contoll my aphids by turning loose a box of Ladybugs. Most of the garden stores sell them. They will clean up an infestation in a couple of days and then continue to hunt. They are cheaper than sprays and a lot more fun.
great! thank you for all the tips. I will try the ladybugs first. there are 1000's of aphids by now and I would prefer to keep the nastursiums.