[Mike]

When I took over my plot I had the fortune of inheriting a small but healthy Gooseberry bush.  While its not going to produce pots of jam making material I had hoped for enough for a good fool (insert own joke).

However it seems im fighting a war with the beasties!.  2 weeks ago I noticed some of the leaves had begun to turn a slight reddish colour.  Nothing to worry about I assumed.. could be all this warm weather.  But now the lush green ends of each branch are becoming shrivelled, dry husks.  Closer inspection has revealed what looks like aphids (small black beasties everywhere).

Short of bug-knapping a large number of ladybirds to carry out mass aphid extermination im at a bit of a loss on what to do and wonder if my poor bush will survive the ordeal.  There are still a good number of gooseberries on the bush but I fear their days may be numbered.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Mike

p.s the little monsters have migrated to the inherited Globe artichoke plant and its 5 wonderful fruits... however a small army of ladybirds were spotted on a search and destroy mission this weekend so fingers crossed it will be safe!