Ladybugs - your environmentally friendly defender of the garden

Linking to Aphid Information

(free stock photo)

For many of us the problem of aphids is past us as cool weather encroaches upon us.  However, there are some of you out there who may still be experiencing issues with these little suckers and want to learn more about this insect you are battling.  I just read an interesting article in the Ontario Gardener newsletter and am including this link so you can benefit from it as well.

Aphids Everywhere!!!!

This has been a wonderful growing season.....for aphids!!!  I generally expect a battle with the Summer Wine Ninebark, sometimes the roses, and occasionally on the Mock Orange.  This year, though, I have seen blue/green ones on the tomato plants, black aphids on the ninebark and mock orange, green on the rose bush (only a few) and several in my hair or on my clothes when I come in from working in the garden.  What to do?  

Summer Wine Ninebark late spring before I washed off the black aphids you see clustered here on the new growth.

A sharp blast from the hose is what I most often do for control.  Spraying every square inch and centimetre of the plant, I wash those nasty little suckers off where they can become bait for other predatorial bugs.  I also encourage (carry) the lady bugs to the affected regions.  You can buy them at a few of the local garden centres, just in case you don't have enough in your garden.

If your petunias are suffering from a recent infestation now, though, the best advice is to pull them out and discard the plants.  Replace them with annual mums or something else that will continue blooming while the evenings lose their warmth and the daylight hours begin to dwindle.  Days here have been a bit cooler so it is the perfect time to add some mums for a splash of colour now.

For more information on aphid control, see this article written by Rob Sproule of Salisbury Greenhouse:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Home/5553/23982/images/SPN%20Aphids%20101.pdf?utm_source=mailoutinteractive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Aphids+101+

Enjoy those sun shiny days while you can.  I hear whispers of an early autumn.  Are you turning a deaf ear or a blind eye?  I am.......