Topic: Cabbage Aphids

[westsussexlottie]

I have lost one of my savoys to cabbage aphids. I have tried squashing them, moving ladybirds onto them, and derris (not at the same time!!!)
Any ideas? Other plants have the same problem but as yet not so badly...

[Robert_Brenchley]

Are you anywhere near trees or hedges? If you can use a feeder to attract tits in, they'll do a lot to clean aphids up once they find them.

[westsussexlottie]

But they are also netted to stop the cabbage white butterflies...... which stops the birds too.

[tim]

I know I've said it before but - netted? Like fruit netting?
 
Don't know what others (or you!) find, but my butterflies will squeeze flatways between 2 layers of 'mesh'. They don't need holes!!

[westsussexlottie]

Very fine netting Tim - about 0.5cm x 0.5 cm mesh - and I haven't seen a caterpillar (yet). In the "wild" patch of the garden some of my spare summer cabbage seedlings which ended up there are already hosting many hungry families - so whilst it may not stop the most determined butterfly - I think the ones around here must be lazy and go for the easy option....

it isn't the butterflies that are bothering me though!!!!
Horrid grey aphids... munching my savoys! Perhaps I planted them too early?

[Svea]

i have some on my brussel sprouts. i am using the B&Q insecticide that is approved by the HDRA. dunno if it works yet - first application yesterday. at least so far only one plant seems affected at all...

[PREMTAL]

Hi Westsussexlottie,
                                 I use a Garlic clove in a one pint spray bottle to deter most pests on my allotment, but in the case of Brassica a few drops of washing up liquid will help the solution to ahdere to the leaves.

Hope this may be of some help. :)

                                                            PREMTAL

[Robert_Brenchley]

Water with a drop of washing up liquid will kill aphids, or you could use rhubarb tea.