The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Gardens => Topic started by: Possum on February 15, 2024, 12:14:11 pm

Title: Green fly in February!
Post by: Possum on February 15, 2024, 12:14:11 pm
I pruned the shrub roses back in January. It has been so mild down here recently that quite a few small leaves have sprouted already. I was doing some weeding this morning and found three groups of greenfly on the new leaves.  >:(


I've never seen them this early before. I've gently rubbed them off and hope we get a bit of a chill to stop any more appearing.
Title: Re: Green fly in February!
Post by: arobwk on March 03, 2024, 10:34:44 pm
Would be worth giving your roses a "white-oil" spray in all their nooks and crannies to limit further hatchings.
Title: Re: Green fly in February!
Post by: Possum on March 14, 2024, 03:22:08 pm
I've been spraying it with washing up liquid solution every few days. Seems to be keeping them in check. :)
Title: Re: Green fly in February!
Post by: doganjo on March 16, 2024, 02:03:07 pm
I walked into a cloud of midgies yesterday - what????? :gloomy: :yuck:
Title: Re: Green fly in February!
Post by: arobwk on March 17, 2024, 05:49:40 pm
Quote from: Possum on March 14, 2024, 03:22:08 pm
I've been spraying it with washing up liquid solution every few days. Seems to be keeping them in check. :)

Non-detergent soap would be better, but if roses not complaining carry on.  Stick a few drops of veg oil in your soapy spray mix (= "white-oil") to make it "clingier".
Title: Re: Green fly in February!
Post by: arobwk on March 17, 2024, 05:55:04 pm
Quote from: doganjo on March 16, 2024, 02:03:07 pm
I walked into a cloud of midgies yesterday - what? ??? ? :gloomy: :yuck:

Yum, yum ! 

I hope this doesn't mean I will see an early appearance of swarms of St Marks fly this year?!  If I do, hopefully their "season" will not be extended.  I detest the little bugs slowly hovering all around me.  (I'm not a great lover of insects generally, but working amongst swarms of these things is really unpleasant.)