I'd like to hear from some of you who battle aphids with your starts indoors under lights. What do you do to get rid of them?
Duane

Duane
western Oregon
zone 8

Duane, my fall cuttings got divided into 2 groups. 1 stayed under lights until the beginning of January, when I was ready to start seeds. The 2nd group (mostly taller cuttings) went into my guest room, next to the window. I keep the heat vent closed in there & the door nearly shut, so it stays pretty cool. I've found aphids only on this 2nd group and a few days ago gave them a spraying with the homemade insecticide I listed in another thread, but will repeat here. I don't yet know how effective this concoction is, but I have hopes for it! I'm ready to do another spraying...I expected I'd need to spray more than once, so I'm not concerned yet. Here's the "recipe":

1/2 C. rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
1 squirt liquid dishsoap
add enough water to make a quart...mix well and apply with a spritzer bottle

For my 2nd application, I intend to take the cuttings to the bathtub where I can spray well without concern for the spray getting on furniture, carpeting, etc. At the same time I'll do a general clean up of the area. I feel the brugs are awakening and those that are in water will soon get potted up.




Patrick
Brug Moderator
USDA Zone 8b
Heat Zone 3
Sunset Zone 5
SeaTac, WA...one cool place

Because I have so many seedlings and cuttings as well as some full size brugs in the house, I use Merit. It can be sprayed or watered in and it lasts for six weeks. If I see an aphid, I spray. I generally only have to do it once and this stuff takes care of white flies too. If you aren't an organic grower, a place called Rosemania has some great supplies.

ChSam (Shirley Morr)
Chariton, Iowa
Zone 5