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Oct 29, 2013 11:31 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tina
Where the desert meets the sea (Zone 9b)
Container Gardener Salvias Dog Lover Birds Enjoys or suffers hot summers Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Garden Ideas: Level 2
I just read up on aphids and greenhouses, because it seems even my small patio version is attracting quite a few uninvited guests. Crying 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?
Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of old; seek what those of old sought. — Basho

Daylilies that thrive? click here! Thumbs up
Last edited by chalyse Oct 29, 2013 11:38 PM Icon for preview
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Oct 30, 2013 10:59 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
I (prophylactically) use one of the insect foggers in the fall and then again in the spring. I don't know whether it does any good or not, but does not seem to harm any of my tropical plants, everything from orchids, to staghorn ferns, to bromeliads, and lots of other varieties.

Since I have never had an insect infestation, I don't have hands-on experience in eradicating them.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Oct 30, 2013 6:22 PM CST
Name: Ginger
Fountain, Florida (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Plays in the sandbox Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Region: Gulf Coast Tip Photographer The WITWIT Badge
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Native Plants and Wildflowers Birds Plumerias Hummingbirder Dog Lover
hydrogen peroxide mixed with the soap and water helps. I have a formula in my potting shed if it hasn't worn off the jug...will look tomorrow.
Each cloud has a silver lineing if only you look for it.
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Oct 30, 2013 11:55 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tina
Where the desert meets the sea (Zone 9b)
Container Gardener Salvias Dog Lover Birds Enjoys or suffers hot summers Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Garden Ideas: Level 2
Thanks Ken and Ginger! My greenhouse is so small that I'm not sure about using a fogger, but will research it further!

Ginger, if you would be so kind, I would love the formula for the hydrogen peroxide mix!!! I have used HP for dipping when I divide my plants, and to very good results. If it might also knock back some of the aphids as a spray (I'm assuming that is what the formula is for) I would be in h-e-a-v-e-n! Hurray!

Group hug
Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of old; seek what those of old sought. — Basho

Daylilies that thrive? click here! Thumbs up
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Oct 31, 2013 10:20 AM CST
Name: Ginger
Fountain, Florida (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Plays in the sandbox Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Region: Gulf Coast Tip Photographer The WITWIT Badge
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Native Plants and Wildflowers Birds Plumerias Hummingbirder Dog Lover
OK....I mix this in a gallon jug

1/3 peroxide
2/3 water
1/2 tbl.(or a tad less) dish soap (I use dawn)

I got this formula from a friend who found it at an Amish website
Each cloud has a silver lineing if only you look for it.
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Oct 31, 2013 10:43 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tina
Where the desert meets the sea (Zone 9b)
Container Gardener Salvias Dog Lover Birds Enjoys or suffers hot summers Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Garden Ideas: Level 2
I am so very grateful for that formula, @Ginger! Hurray! Thank you so much!! Group hug
Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of old; seek what those of old sought. — Basho

Daylilies that thrive? click here! Thumbs up
Image
Oct 31, 2013 1:43 PM CST
Name: Ginger
Fountain, Florida (Zone 8b)
Charter ATP Member Plays in the sandbox Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Region: Gulf Coast Tip Photographer The WITWIT Badge
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Native Plants and Wildflowers Birds Plumerias Hummingbirder Dog Lover
I tip my hat to you. I tip my hat to you.
Each cloud has a silver lineing if only you look for it.
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