Aphid attack! Yeah, it’s been a year for it…A degree of aphids is always to be expected every year, and I don’t mind washing a few off before cooking my veg, but a bad infestation is usually a sign of unhealthy plants.
I have especially found that if I let seedlings get rootbound and stressed in modules (my speciality 😆) and then plant them out a bit late they inevitably get infested and set back in their growth even more, a downward spiral.
Unhealthy veg plants are simply more susceptible to pest.
And this year, with the heat and drought, there are struggling plants all around. You see it in the amount of powdery mildew on the squash family (made worse by lack of water) and in the number of aphids on brassicas.
If you’ve managed to keep up with the watering you should have less of a problem. But as I don’t have access on my plot to mains water, it’s been a tricky summer. Coupled with the fact that brassicas are cool weather crops… well 😆
I find applications of soapy water and other topical organic treatments are a waste of time. The aphids like to hide in all the nooks and crannies so are difficult to get to. And especially these grey cabbage aphids repel water so make it even trickier.
Constant vigilance is your best option, squishing as you go. This coupled with a strong water spray to knock them off if you can (I can’t) and a focus on healthy soil with great water retention (no dig mulching is my choice) is where you should concentrate your efforts.
Also, encourage natural predators by growing a large variety of flowering plants, bug hotels and ponds. You can also buy and release natural predators, especially efficient in a closed space like a greenhouse.
How bad has it been where you are? Maybe it’s just me 😆
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