I am growing some coriander ( cilantro if you will) in a window box inside as it get pretty chilly outside overnight around here. The first batch was growing pretty well then we discovered it was smothered in little green aphids. The leaves had become quite sticky, so I put the plant pot outside and threw out the soil and plants, along with some other flowers that were also infested.
I left a rosemary and jalapeño plant that seamed to be ok. I replanted and all seamed well until I just discovered the same issue, not as bad and the bugs could be washed off.
So any suggestions for getting rid of aphids on plants growing inside? As we eat the coriander pesticides are out.
For what it is worth we live in the mountains and it is generally below freezing during the day and waaaaaaay below at night.
Ta.
Wash the little monsters off. Eventually they’ll get discouraged and give up or die out completely. Use lukewarm water and just enough of a forceful stream to dislodge them. It doesn’t sound like you have enough plants to make this much of a chore.
An alternative is to use a horticultural soap spray or just a bit of dishwashing detergent mixed with water in a plastic spray bottle. This kills aphids and any soapy residue can be rinsed off before eating the cilantro*.
Another tip: aphids cluster on succulent new growth, so you can trim plants back to help control them.
*or if you’re one of the unfortunates who claims cilantro tastes soapy, don’t bother.
I think the OP ought to leave my minions be. Nothing personal, mollusc, but we’re fighting to free the Earth from this green scourge. I’m afraid your recipes are just going to be collateral damage.
I am pretty sure you are both witches, not appreciating cilantro is a sure sign. Whilst some claim the soapy taste to be a genetic aberration that they cannot control, unfortunately it is no defense.
<runs off to get some wood, kindling, a pond and a duck>
