Greenfly

[Jo.T]

I've noticed a substantial amount of greenfly about on some of my veg and i don't want to use chemicals. I'm sure i've read on here about people boiling up some 'potions' to help and spray on - any tips?

[Flummery]

A drop of washing-up water in a spay and give 'em a good old wash! It not only washes them off the plant but it breaks down their waxy substances and does 'em no good at all.

[madderbat]

Yes, Flummery is right. I put some on our roses the other day (before the rain). It seems to have done the trick for now.

[Cutecumber]

Can you bring yourself to squash them by hand? As long as you are careful (i.e. don't do what I do and break off the leaf!) it's very effective.

Not if you have a whole field to do though, I guess.

[The Sage of Brouhaha]

Is it safe to use a rhubarb leaf infusion on veg or is that best left for the roses?

[Jo.T]

Will it be ok to use the washing up trick on veg - obviously i'll rinse before eat but will it give a lasting taste? will definately try on other things though - new growth on plum and pear tree seems worse of all!

Thanks for idea though

[rustylady]

Washing up liquid or soft soap doesn't get into the plant, unlike systemic insecticides, so as long as you wash before use there shouldn't be a problem. However, the rain will wash it off for you, so this shouldn't be regarded as lasting protection. It may need to be repeated several times before harvest.

[Jo.T]

Is it ok to use washing-up liq solution on veg to eat? Obviously i'll wash but will it leave after taste? I'll def try on the new growth on plums and pear trees though - thanks

[Sue]

Hi
I've read (on the vine, I think) that you can blast them off with a heavy spray of water. Does anyone find this works, don't they all shake themselves off and wearily climb back on again??
I was quite squeamish about squishing them till I was so cross they were attacking my rose trees which have loads of buds for the first time that I was squishing left, right and centre.
One rose in particular seems to suffer with green, black and white flies, urgh.
Sue

[vicki lorraine]

Yep. I posted a thread for greenfly on my gooseberries. Before i had any replies i gave them a good blast with the hose when watering my potatoes (before the current rains!) and it seems to have done the trick. Needed to get under the leaves though. This was okay for my strong gooseberry bush but not sure how some tender veg might stand against a strong spray. Im trying the soapy water next though.

[Jo.T]

I'm gonna try the soapy water tonight - if the rain stops will also try the hose but will look rather silly with the hose in the rain!

[moggssue]

A blast with the hose is no good for roses, does too much damage to the flowers when I try it! The soapy water trick definitely works with roses - apparently greenfly breathe through their skin and the washing up liquid makes them blow bubbles so they suffocate! Luvverly!!

[Flummery]

I'm gonna try the soapy water tonight - if the rain stops will also try the hose but will look rather silly with the hose in the rain!

I once dibbed my leeks in in the rain then went round with a watering can to puddle them in. My sister held her umbrella over me while I did it. A friend called round and nearly had to change his trousers when he saw me watering in the rain under a brolly!

[Jo.T]

That's made me laugh Flummery!!