Lacewing or Ladybird Larvae?

[Rhona]

I'm just about to ring and order some larvae to control the greenfly which are wrecking my baskets! I've checked out as much info as I can, but still not sure...

Which is better for our small, enclosed garden where we mainly have everything in pots and beds - lacewing or ladybird larvae? Does it matter?

Thanks!

[lynda66]

dunno which is best, but i'd go for ladybirds, those lacewings are weird and freak me out when they get in the house ....... *shudders*

don't really think it matters much, as long as they have plenty of food

[SueA]

Hi Rhona, I think I'd go for the ladybird larvae although I there probably isn't much difference.I think they eat a larger quantity of aphids & I would imagine there is more chance of the ladybirds staying in your garden when they become adults but I could be wrong about that. Whichever one you choose I would try & put up some kind of shelter for them to overwinter in, you can buy ladybird & lacewing 'houses' or make your own by pushing reeds, grasses or hollow canes into a box framework.You could also try growing a patch of nettles or angelica & dill which ladybirds like & plenty of simple pollen rich flowers such as calendula which will attract lacewings & hoverflies too.

[Rhona]

Many thanks both! I've ordered ladybird larvae. We do already have a lacewing box so maybe some of the ladybirds will finally make use of it! x

[Rhona]

Well, it's a gorgeous warm sunny morning, and the larvae are settling into their new home... Finger's crossed!

[loveday69]

Well, it's a gorgeous warm sunny morning, and the larvae are settling into their new home... Finger's crossed!

How are your ladybirds doing?

[Rhona]

...well, I can report back that the ladybirds have done an awesome job; baskets back to full glory; would totally recommend getting those little fellas in to do the job! Beats sprays hands down.

[Two_Sheds]

If you plant some English Marigold (calendula) you'll attract loads of hoverflies, and their babies eat even more aphids than ladybirds do.

[Kristen]

Darn it there are English ones as well as French and African?

I read elsewhere that I need the Single flowering type.

Is this a different cure to companion planting for Whitefly control on Toms in the GHouse?

Thanks

EDIT: Scratch that, now seen your reply to the other thread: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tml#post264133

Thanks.

[SueA]

Thanks for the update Rhona, I might try ordering some myself next year, got a ladybird house & lots of ladybird-friendly plants but hardly any ladybirds this year.

[inca'smum]

I bought ladybird larvae this year for the first time and have to say they have done a fantastic job. The plants that I put them on are virtually clear of aphids, and yet the stems were covered a few weeks ago. They have grown up, and laid eggs now so the cycle will hopefully start again. Ive bought a little house too so that I can over winter them.