"Pam" wrote in message
...
Are you sure aphids are the actual culprits for the fatalities? While they
can
seriously impede the growth and development of small seedlings, aphids
seldom
can be traced to the cause of the demise of an established or fairly
mature
plant. And one would have to question the reason why at this late stage of
the
season you have an aphid infestation significant enough to cause a
problem.
Typically, it is the result of over-fertilizing resulting in excessive
succulent growth combined with a lack of natural predators.

Diatomaceous products will have little effect on sucking insects like
aphids.
Best to try and blast them off with a strong spray of water or low
toxicity
insecticide like insecticidal soap or Neem oil. Encourage natural
predators by
avoiding true chemical pesticides and increasing your biodiversity. And
back
off on the fertilizers - it is time to wind down on those now anyway.

pam - gardengal


Hi again

A month ago, it was earwigs causing a huge problem on the sunflowers, but
they're gone. Aphids were all over the flowers themselves, the only part of
the plant sustaining any damage. I tried an insecticidal soap a week ago,
and if anything, it seems to have left spots all over the purple coneflower
petals.

As for fertilizers, I very rarely use them.

Any idea where to buy ladybugs?

Thanks!