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Preventing Pests in Your Garden
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I have rhubarb in my garden. Instead of disposing all of the leaves, I boil some in a pot of water until the leaves seem ready to fall apart. I use that solution to spray on my plants and it seems to work. After reading this, I believe I'll beef it up with some alcohol and soap.
Years ago I was told to use a solution of vinegar (white only!) & water. I don’t remember the correct ratio but has worked well on my roses.
I was gone for 4 weeks unexpected and they are killing one of my hibiscus. It's caked with them! Any suggestions!!
When it comes to battling aphids on your hibiscus, you should start with the suggestions listed above under Control and Prevention.
First try using a steady stream of water to knock as many aphids off your hibiscus as possible. Once they are dislodged, most will not find their way back to the plant.
If aphids are still present, try using a horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Just make sure that whatever you decide to use comes in contact with the pests because it must do so to be effective. Spray both the top and underside of leaves and anywhere else the aphids are present. Depending on what you use, you may need to make multiple applications.
There is also the option of using a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap and either wiping or spraying affected areas.
Hope this helps!
A mixture of milk and water 50/50 is effective, safe, and good for the plant. It won't kill bees or butterflies either!
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing, Jason!
The creator of the “magical” kills all aphids recipe seems to be selfishly guarding the recipe.
I found the dish soap, alcohol recipes to be very successful on indoor plant infestation. I will be mixing up a batch and spraying outdoor tree limbs. The aphids have regrettably damaged orchids hanging on the branches.
I have a question I had some holes in the leaves of my rose bush so sprayed with diluted dish soap and the next day some of my roses were dead and the were what looked like a bunch of tiny eggs on the dead roses what could this be?
Hi, Nicole, It is difficult to identify pests from a distance and some mimic the behavior, so a guess is no solution. Try this page https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/rose-insects-related-pests/ Numerous rose pests are identified and pictured; you may find yours. Alternatively, talk to a local nurseryman. Bring a piece if the plant, if possible, as it might help him/her to identify the problem.
Hope this helps!
I have used Lady bugs with success.
A friend had told me about banana peels, which appear to work.
So when I put my pepper plants in the greenhouse, I will lay banana peels beneath the plants and have not had the problem.
It is worth a try.