The Goode Life!!!

[EmmaB]

Hi all, very new to all this and came across the website when looking for advice on dealing with aphids organically, they're everywhere (yukkkk).

We are growing carrots, brocolli, onions, spring onions, courgette, toms, rhubarb and peppers/chilli (oh yes, and I have a sad little asparagus plant that I'm not sure what to do with - offers gratfully received).

It has been wonderful fun so far and really rewarding. I just wish I had prepared a little more as I now realise you can't just plonk seeds in the ground....still next year will be different.

I posted something on the "weeds" board before I saw this area so I guess I'm doing things a little backward, had a resposne already though which is great.

Have a query with my courgette plants and brocolli (hope it's ok to ask here).

Courgette - the flowers/buds are covered in aphids have tried watering with soapy water but it doesn't seem to have had an effect...not sure if a few of the flowers have dropped off or been eaten as I can see stalks with but no tops!! Any advice?

Brocolli - I've attached a picture not sure if something is eating them - should I do something? Also I wonder if when I planted them I didn't plant deep enough as they are leaning over rather, should I mound up with earth?

Blimey I do have a lot to learn!!!!!

Thanks in advance.
Emma

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine Emma.
I can see a couple of perfectly good courgettes in your pic.
The flower is a male flower and won't produce any fruit.
The bare stalk was probably a male flower which has gone.
I think your courgettes look fine.

On your ?Brocolli pic I can only see a scorched leaf and not enough to say anything about it.
Tip - if you ask your questions one by one in separate posts you will get better responses.
Good luck with your project and look forward to your posts.

[scarey55]

Hello EmmaB and welcome to the Vine.

Looks as if you have leafminer on your broccoli. I have it all over the place this year, I think it's a bad year for them (good, if you're a leafminer of course)

Aparently, they aren't a problem but I would pick off the affected leaves and bin (not compost) them just to stop them from coming back next year.

No idea about your courgettes but they are pretty hardy, so I wouldn't worry too much - after all, it's the fruit you eat not the flower.

Good ere innit

EDIT: You can tell if it's a leafminer because you can see it at the end of the "tunnel" as a little black/brown mark.

[NOG]

Welcome to the Vine.

[EmmaB]

Thanks to all for your advice. I guess i need not panic. I will definately post issue separately in future, makes perfect sense now I think about it (said I was a novice! - growing my own and foruming)

[Maddie106]

Hi Emma,

As the "Hitch hikers Guide to the Galaxy " says, "DON'T PANIC!"

Aphids are a real b*gg*r! If the soapy water doesn't work, just keep sqishing them.
A good blast of water from ther hose pipe also helps on established plants.

Earth your broc up and stake it with a cane too.

You have to be philosophical about growing stuff....if it fails, all it's cost you is a packet of seeds, some compost and some time. You try again next season.
Keep your left over seed from THIS year somewhere warm and dry and you can use it again next spring. Most seeds are ok ( Probably NOT parsnips!)

[BumbleB]

Hi Emma, welcome to the vine. I am in Kent too, what part are you. You will find that you learn loads just reading all of the posts, then maybe posting up your own specific questions. Well done on your veg pics, I love seeing everyones crops.