SEASON FOR SUCKERS – APHID ALERT

Inspect new growth of roses, fruit trees, onions, garlic, hedges and swan plants for aphids. Every one you dispose of now won’t contribute to a population explosion later in spring and summer. Aphids are viviparous, which means females lay live babies not eggs. The babies can begin reproducing in a week so populations can build up very quickly. Aphids are sap suckers. They weaken the host plant, transmit viruses and sooty mould grows on the honeydew they secrete. For small clusters use digital control – run your fingers along each twig, squashing as you go. A blast with the hose is effective too and some people even take to their roses with a handheld dust buster. Nipping off aphid-infested stems of swan plants has the additional benefit of keeping the plants compact. Soapy dish-washing water (cooled of course) splashed over onions and garlic deals to allium aphids. Organic sprays include EnSpray 99® Spraying Oil from Grosafe, Organic Insect Control from Kiwicare and Nature’s Way