Greenhouse aphids multiply very rapidly under favorable conditions. When it comes to combating this, every day counts so that the destructive infestation does not spread over a large area. Regular checks of the plants and the use of proven home remedies help in the fight against the aphid.

Aphids can also be controlled in the greenhouse without chemicals

Noticing these invaders on beloved plants has driven many a recreational gardener to despair. Usually, the infestation can only be recognized when the invaders have already started their plant-destroying work. So while the situation in the greenhouse is difficult, it is far from hopeless. If action is taken immediately, at least not!

The battle begins with the leaf check

Once the very agile green, red and black leaf squatters have found their victims, it is very difficult to limit the damage to the plants. Because after the leaves, the eating fun continues on the stalks, so that the pathways are destroyed until the plants finally die off completely. It is all the more important for every hobby gardener to stop the aphids in the greenhouse in good time, i.e. even when individual specimens of the pests or the characteristic black coating are only visible at the beginning. By the way: Where there are aphids, there are often ants nearby.

Harmful image of leaf vampires

Sitting under succulent leaves, aphids also love to attack young shoots of roses, cucumbers, spinach, peppers, cabbage, tomatoes and various types of fruit in the greenhouse. In addition to depriving the affected plants of nutrients, they transmit viruses, which in turn cause increased colonization of fungi. A little later, the shoot tips and leaves curl and begin to cripple.

Because prevention is better than cure

Therefore, protect your plants in good time against aphid infestation in the greenhouse. The following would have to be done:

  • Careful breaking of young leaves for regular checking;
  • Checking the optimal location of the infested plants (ideal: lavender with roses or savory with beans)
  • Adjust the fertilization to the respective plant species exactly;
  • Promote beneficial insects, i.e. enemies of aphids (hoverflies, lacewings and ladybugs)

Get rid of the aphids in the greenhouse, but how?

If the infestation is really only light, showering off the plants still makes sense. Success becomes visible when the leaves are carefully wiped off afterwards. Before you resort to chemical pesticides (insect sprays or granules and sticks containing insecticide) if you fail, just try your luck here:

  • nettle broth (leave for 12 hours, then shower);
  • Broth from boiled field horsetail (in a mixing ratio of 1:5 with water);
  • Soapnuts from the health food store (boil in water and spray the brew on the plants);
  • Neem oil (from the garden centre), dilute sufficiently and spray on the plants, preferably early in the morning;

tips

If aphids have infested individual plants in the greenhouse too much, destroy them in good time, as the animals multiply explosively.

Category:

Garden design