I just read up on aphids and greenhouses, because it seems even my small patio version is attracting quite a few uninvited guests.
And, what I thought at first must be fruit flies, I think after reading more must be the winged-stage of reproduction of aphids too. I read that this cycle of aphids can get established and live inside greenhouses indefinitely.
I'm trying to overwinter tender young seedlings, but so far the number of starter pots that have succumbed to aphid attacks have increased each week. We will not likely get a hard freeze until Jan-Feb, and trying to knock the aphids back with mild soap/water sprays each week is getting old...and not really doing much to protect the seedlings. I can't blast them with water since they are so young and fragile, and the only time ladybugs are sold near me is in the spring.
I can't use anything stronger than soap or oil based products (again, not doing much but keeping some seedlings barely alive) during the warmer months since our dogs are allowed in that yard and spend a lot of times up close with the plants, but perhaps I can try something stronger in a couple of weeks when the temps are low enough that we keep the dogs out of that part of the yard.
Any suggestions, organic or not, about how to eradicate my little greenhouse of aphids?
