We're still getting beans from the plants & are leaving some to go to seed, so don't really want to pull up the plants yet.
Black-fly on me Runners
Black-fly on me Runners
Checked runner beans on Fri & picked more beans for the pot, but noticed the plants are infested with tiny black flies. I'm assuming these are Blackfly, am I right & will they damage the plants?
We're still getting beans from the plants & are leaving some to go to seed, so don't really want to pull up the plants yet.
We're still getting beans from the plants & are leaving some to go to seed, so don't really want to pull up the plants yet.
Hi Ranter, the blackfly will drink the sap damaging the beans and could bring other plant diseases. You can physically spray them off with a water spray, or a mixture of washing up liquid and water should get rid - but they will keep coming back so keep on top of it!
I'm going to try and plant some Marigolds and Poached Egg plants next year to encourage hoverflies (the lavae eat the aphids) and more ladybirds. Should be exciting to see the war between the ants protecting their little aphid farms against the flying attacks.
A good tip is when the beans have finished cropping to cut the stem and leave the roots in the ground as they have lots of useful nitrogen fixing beasties on them and will help with the health of the soil.
I'm going to try and plant some Marigolds and Poached Egg plants next year to encourage hoverflies (the lavae eat the aphids) and more ladybirds. Should be exciting to see the war between the ants protecting their little aphid farms against the flying attacks.
A good tip is when the beans have finished cropping to cut the stem and leave the roots in the ground as they have lots of useful nitrogen fixing beasties on them and will help with the health of the soil.
Tom
________________________
Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
My little business! Hewett Gardening Services
________________________
Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
My little business! Hewett Gardening Services
Cheers 9ball,
I've got some pure soft soap, I'll take that up with me tomorrow & give the blighters a good soaking.
It's our first full year on the lottie & we've established a four-bed rotation system. Were planning to leave the roots in the legume bed anyway, but thanks for the confirming that it's the right thing to do. I'll try & get on top of the companion planting next year too.
So much that I'm going to do next year, maybe I should get some rest now
I've got some pure soft soap, I'll take that up with me tomorrow & give the blighters a good soaking.
It's our first full year on the lottie & we've established a four-bed rotation system. Were planning to leave the roots in the legume bed anyway, but thanks for the confirming that it's the right thing to do. I'll try & get on top of the companion planting next year too.
So much that I'm going to do next year, maybe I should get some rest now