Annual aphid plaque

ANOTHER year, another aphis invasion and this year these sap-sucking insects infamous for reproducing like there is no tomorrow, are multiplying much earlier in the season.

Some deem the mild winter as the underlying cause, but whatever it may be, gardens, glasshouses and polytunnels around the country are under attack by these belligerent garden pests. More commonly known as ‘greenfly’, ‘blackfly’ or ‘whitefly’, there are over 400 species of aphids in existence and all desire to feed on plants, be that fruit, herbs, ornamentals, salads or vegetables.

Where there is one aphid, there is generally thousands, with populations rising rapidly due to the fact that female aphids give birth to live young as well as laying eggs. It is essential that a careful eye is kept on crops as early aphid detection is vital. As always, the mantra for organic gardening, is ‘prevention is better than cure’, but if you have an invasion of ever-increasing aphids already, you may need to pull out some of the following ammunition to deal with them.