Gardening Tip - Killing Aphids Without Chemicals Part 2

This post is a continuation of the one from earlier in the week on Aphids.

  

     Hummingbirds are also outstanding hunters of aphids.  10% of a hummingbird’s diet consists of aphids or other very small insects.  Put a hummingbird friendly plant such as Hot Lips Sage within 20 feet of a rose bush, and that rose bush will never have aphids.

      Ladybugs, also known as Lady Bird beetles are also great hunters of aphids.  If you pour chemicals into your garden, all you are doing is killing all the beneficial insects and letting the bad bugs have free reign in your garden.  Ladybugs can be bought at any good nursery like Walter Andersens.  They are fun for the kids to release and watch fly about the garden.  Most will fly off in the first hour but some will hang around in your garden.

       Water, hummingbirds and ladybugs are great ways to rid your garden of aphids without using chemicals.  I stopped using insecticides in my garden 9 years ago and each year I win 150 to 200 ribbons for cut flowers at the San Diego County Fair.  You can have a beautiful garden without the chemicals.  Just use the tips above and keep reading this blog.