Roses.

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

We have a pretty decent rosebush in the garden, but it is getting hammered by greenfly/aphids.

I blast them off every night when watering the plants, but they return the next day.

I know that ladybirds nom them, but it's a bit early in the year for them to appear.

Any BCF Greenthumbs have some advice for me?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

You could spray it over with soapy water.

You could spray it with permethrin sprayt (but this will also kill the biological predators).

You could prune off the bits that are being really hammered.

If it's the only thing being hammered by them, it could also be sick.

My blackcurrants are taking a pounding from greenfly just now but there's a healthy population of lacewings building up so I'm going to leave them alone to fight it out for now.
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Poseidon · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Karma :

I had a lot of luck with the froth from proper soap (the stuff not suitable for vegans). Created a good lather and slathered it on my chili plants. That was when I was trying to be all organic and stuff.

Nowadays, if the ladybugs aren't around, I reach for Bug'off (or similar sounding named commercial product) pesticide. Does the trick, but obviously not as holistic an approach.
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1977 Honda CG125
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CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Oh, gotta be cat safe too.

Tracey Suntan-King · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Karma :

Second vote here for soapy water.

It worked on our rose bushes.

A weak solution of washing-up liquid in a hand spray applied over a couple of evenings should see the little critters off.

Cool for cats too.
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ScaredyCat · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2012 Karma :

Ladybirds are ready now...

You can buy some in if yours are slackers

https://www.greengardener.co.uk/product.asp?id_pc=34&cat=75
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CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Just been out for some other gardening supplies, picked this up.
Lets see what happens.

https://i.imgur.com/YPiD3wgl.png

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

andyscooter · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 May 2009 Karma :

Use soapy water on my beans and roses
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Pansies.
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Dave70 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2012 Karma :

I can confirm that ladybirds are now appearing.

They seem to be quite fond of my bike covers, for some reason.
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Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

When I had a bright yellow Goldwing, Ladybirds used to swarm all over it for some reason.
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