Valley gardeners beware

The recent warm weather is wonderful for growing but it has brought an outbreak of pesky insects, in particular aphids and carpenter ants. The aphids are inconspicuous little beasties that sneak up on you and before you know it your beautiful pansies are almost destroyed.

According to the Cooperative Extension Service, the following methods are helpful, and eco-friendly.

• Spray the plants often with water to knock off the aphids. Use a strong spray if the plants can handle it. Prune away any infested areas.

• Use an insecticidal soap, which can be purchased, or make up your own, using 1 ounce of dish detergent to 1 gallon of water. The soap washes off the aphid’s protective waxy coating and causes dehydration. You can also add vegetable oil to the soapy mixture, which clogs up the aphids systems.

• Use Pyrethrins, an insecticide made from the chrysanthemum plant. Pyrethrins is readily available at stores in the Valley.

The trick is to be watchful and catch the little buggers before they take over.

Submitted by the Meadow Lakes Bloomers garden club.