Pelham Gardens

Natural
Pest Control

Identify problems early, respond with the lightest effective intervention, and build a garden that defends itself.

Pest Identifier

AphidsInsect

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Severity

What you see

Soft clusters on growing tips and leaf undersides

All signs

Soft clusters on growing tips and leaf undersides; sticky honeydew; curling leaves; sooty mould follows. Early warning: ants running up plant stems in spring almost always means a colony is already present. Heavy persistent infestations can also indicate over-nitrogen feeding — high-N sap is more attractive to aphids.

Organic control

Blast with a strong hose; soap spray on leaf undersides; cut off and bin infested tips; place a piece of sweet fruit (watermelon, melon) nearby to draw ants away while you treat — ants protect aphid colonies and removing them makes treatment more effective.

Spray

Soap spray (2 tsp dish soap + 1 litre water).

Seasonal Pest Calendar

Now: Spring

Tasks — Spring

Check brassica undersides weekly for cabbage white eggs

Pinch out broad bean tips once 4 trusses set

Fleece carrots and alliums during pest flight periods

Apply slug nematodes once soil stays above 5°C

Make up a bottle of soap spray — keep it ready

NaturalPest Control

AphidsInsect

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Natural
Pest Control

Never miss a
sowing window