Aphids on chillis

[rosyb]

My coveted window sill bound chillis are now growing beautifully and just about to flower. I woke up this morning to find that one of them is covered in aphids. I have exhiled the offending plant to the garden so it doesn't infect any of my other chillis and spent time rubbing the little bugs off the leaves. Is there anything else I can do except hope for a swarm of friendly lady birds to pass by?

[pigletwillie]

Chillies are notorious for "collecting" greenfly and the like. you can wash them off with soapy water, spray if you choose too or indeed wait for madam lady bird to arrive and believe me they will. Another alternative is to companion plant with something like marigolds or calendula which deter them.

We always grow our peppers and chillies together with tomatoes in the polytunnel / greenhouse and to prevent infestations plant calendula, basil and marigolds in the tunnel with them and a raft of sacrificial nasturtiums outside which attract the greenfly away from the tunnel.

It really does work as well.