...I stink of neem oil. Nobody has sat next to me.
I brought a single Paper Lantern indoors a few weeks ago, initially to help ripen the pods hanging from it, but it's also given me a useful insight into the speed with which a few random aphids can morph into an infestation when left 100% unchecked. I've just observed on this occasion.
In 2-3 weeks on a warm windowsill the plant has gone from nothing to report to being smothered in the green gits! Surrounding surfaces are nice and sticky too and littered with shed skins.
There are ways and means to reduce the threat of greenfly, but time will always determine effectiveness.
In my setup, I ensure the bench and surround always gets a thorough clean down every year just prior to plants coming back indoors, as do the outsides of all pots the plants are in; clean and sterile helps keep other problems at bay, such as any diseases that might arise from overly damp soil or reduced airflow. Once the plants are pruned and winter ready, I spray them with an off the shelf insecticide to destroy any remaining critters and/or their eggs still on the plants. This preparation usually buys a few weeks of problem free stasis. Aphids will arrive at some stage though, it's inevitable.
So this year, I'm also going to try filling the remaining spaces among the chillies with a few extra plants, chiefly those most commonly thought to repel insect pests. I figured the herbs dill, fennel, and chives would be good choices as there'll be limited room and these examples are available in supermarkets, where they're kept compact and for little money.
I looked into ladybird larvae, but that seems to be a solution for the warmer months as the bugs apparently need 12 hours at least of daylight per day in order to be effective.. (unless anybody knows different ). Worth baring in mind for spring then.
I could also try more regular spraying, using the organic soap and/or oil solutions. The risk with that though is overly wetting the compost in the process, just have to be careful I guess. Timing also important as prolonged wet leaves will invite mould.
I still think that despite the ever present threat of insect invasion, the space lost, and the balancing act needed regards watering and temperature, overwintering can be of huge benefit for the following year. With good prep there's no reason why the majority of a collection of plants cannot survive and go on to thrive in subsequent years, which is especially useful for slow growers, rare specimens, and anything you want to save seed from.
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