Aphids are one of the most annoying problems for beds and flower beds. It sticks to young shoots of roses, curls tomato leaves and weakens pepper seedlings. If you do not intervene in time, the plants will lose their strength and the harvest will be in jeopardy. But there are proven ways to deal with colonies without resorting to toxic sprays.
Aphids multiply quickly in warm weather, hide on the undersides of leaves and especially love dense plantings and excess nitrogen in the soil. If you notice a sticky coating or deformed tops, begin treatment immediately to stop the spread.
To cope with aphids, try using available means:
- Soap solution with ash. Dissolve a tablespoon of laundry soap and a glass of sifted ash in five liters of water. Stir thoroughly and spray the plants. Soap creates a thin film that blocks the spiracles of insects, and ash dries the integument and repels pests. Repeat after three to four days until the colonies disappear completely.
- Garlic infusion. Chop three large heads of garlic, add a liter of water and leave for two days in a dark place. Strain, dilute in ten liters of water and treat the plantings. The pungent ethereal smell confuses the aphids and forces them to leave the bushes without harming pollinators.
For prevention, protective and agrotechnical measures can be applied:
- Plant marigolds, nasturtium or dill next to the beds. Their scents repel aphids and attract ladybugs.
- Regularly remove root shoots and weeds to deprive pests of shelter and excess moisture.
- If the colonies have already grown, wash them off with a strong stream of water in the early morning or place yellow sticky traps at the level of the tops of the plants.
Do not use synthetic insecticides if there are berries or herbs ripening nearby that will soon go on the table. It is better to choose herbal infusions or mechanical removal. Using simple techniques, you can reliably protect spring plantings and preserve the harvest without risk to health and beneficial insects.
