Aphids

[Pixie]

Many, many thanks to Dwayne (dandjtaylor) in Salem, MA, for the advice of planting nasturtiums among the milkweed to control aphids. When my milkweed was about 2 feet tall, I had to squish aphids from a few of them. I planted the nasturtiums & once they took hold I haven't had one aphid!!! The milkweeds are now about 3 feet tall & so far so good.............keeping fingers crossed that this will continue over the next several months.

Dwayne, thanks again

Dottie (Pixie)
WS 252

[Mona Miller]

Oh my gosh I forgot to plant my nasturtiums. Gotta get that done. The ladybugs can't keep up with the aphids.

[dandjtaylor]

Pixie

From here on out, your garden will have Nasturtiums, I presume. As I cannot even think about my garden without them. THey are pretty too. I have one climbing each post (about 16) of my fence and several scattered about mingling with the other hosts. I love them for both their beauty and their effectiveness with the aphids.

I am glad they are working for you.

=( - still waiting on eggs though.....

[pjvanee]

I also followed your advise and planted nasturtiums in my butterfly garden. It's still a bit early in the season for me to have an milkweed/aphid problem, but I feel confident your suggestion will work.

You are correct, nasturtiums are a wonderful flower that should be planted more!