Apple tree needs organic help with pests and clay soil

[begining at 40]

Hi all, would first like to say a big thankyou for being able to join this community. I've just got my own allotment and I'm overjoyed. I'm hoping to go down the organic route as much as possible. I have a few problems that I would appreciate some advice on. Apologies in advance for long post! At the moment my plot is very overgrown, but we are getting there slowly. The soil is clay and my first question does anybody have any advice on how to help remedy this. I also wanted to know does anybody have any experience. With using a homemade garlic pest control spray and did it work? I have used it on my tomato plants with some success but I have a young apple tree that has some form of pest, there is a white cocoon like substance on the back of the leaves and I have found a worm like critter, was wondering what it was and how to treat it please! The leaves are in an awful state. Thank you in advance.x

[danmow]

Hi, my two cents for what it's worth:

My understanding of garlic as a pesticide is that it's largely a deterrent. The insects don't like the smell and it hides the potential host plant's smell too. I'm not sure if it actually kills the insects. It might do, but the effect of the garlic compounds on insects hasn't been well-documented as far as I'm aware. Mild soap (not detergent) has always worked best for me.

I also have clay soil and I just incorporate lots of compost.

[begining at 40]

thank you

Thanks for the reply. I'm so new to this. Will most deff try the washing up liquid. I really want to take my apple tree to my allotment, but daren't at moment. The other one I have seems fine.

[danmow]

Sounds like an excuse for a new one!

[begining at 40]

I dont want to give up on the poor thing. The two trees were a gift. Wish I knew what was attacking it! Is it the codling moth? I'm such a novice! I've asked over the allotment. And they aren't sure.

[veggiechicken]

Can you post some photos of the "pest" so that we can identify it and tell you how to deal with it?

[begining at 40]

pics

[ATTACH=CONFIG]58161[ATTACH] pic 1
pic2
pic3
pic4
pic5

[begining at 40]

pics

and last one

[begining at 40]

Hope I've done it right! When I looked now, there was tiny little insects like a milky coffee colour on the leaves, and the other day I found a worm like thing on the leaves. Also there are white like insect cases or cacoons' on the back of the leaves

[rosiepumpkin]

I have clay soil and the best way I found to deal with pests on my strawberries is growing them in bottomless pots into the soil in an open cold frame with bind weed over the top.

[begining at 40]

Thank you Rosie, its my apple tree, its in a pot in my garden but its bern attacked at mo, I want to take it over the allotment but not until its bug free. I have strawberries. Growing in a pot with a net over them, but they seem very lifeless at the moment. I dug them up from the top of my allotment they didn't seem very well to start with!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Mods any chance of moving this to 'Feeling Fruity' may attract more help there. Fang coo.

MOVED - because you asked so nicely, Potty

[begining at 40]

apple tree pest

Was wondering I anyone could please help with what's attacking my young apple tree and what I can do. Thank you un advance

[begining at 40]

Hi potsubsdustbins, I just posted a new thread in feeling fruity. Thank you.

[fishpond]

Possibly Tortrix Moth.
How much of the foliage is affected?