[Chris & Yasmin]

Hi there!

We have a little problem with blackfly on courgettes!  Has anyone else had problems with this and do you know what the cause is and how we can get rid it?  Someone has suggested spraying soapy water?? We do have them in pots (which we realise is not ideal but we do not have anymore space on our allotment!)  

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Jake]

Sorry I don't have much advice but I had blackfly on my broadbeans but they are still producing pods. The plants look mottled but the pods seem fine.

Attracting certain beetles like ladybird would probably be a good move if you are against a chemical or organic spray. Someone once told me that strong tea with a bit of washing up liquid in is a good measure but I haven't tried this myself.

[Chris & Yasmin]

I'll let you know if the soapy water works. I have been told that if you sow broad beans before Christmas you wont attract blackfly.

[Jake]

I'll let you know if the soapy water works. I have been told that if you sow broad beans before Christmas you wont attract blackfly.

Actually, now you say it I was told that too. I did it but something ate them, not insects but mice or birds or something.

I was going to try the soapy tea thing this year in the garden but apart from a minor problem with aphids early on in the year we haven't had much to worry about. Lots of ladybirds though, at home and at the plot.

Last year I put bits of old wood like tree prunings in discrete little piles here and there. Some dried leaves too. There are loads of ladybirds there because they like that sort of environment to live in when its cold. Beware though, they attract lots of woodlice but I find them not to do too much damage apart from the odd strawberry feast.