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Hardiness Zone: 8a
Thanks,
Angelheart from Clyde, TX
A: Angelheart,
Try removing the pests with a light spray from the garden hose first. Do this in the morning or later in the day to avoid leaf burn during the bright sun. Spraying every 2 to 3 days should significantly reduce insect populations on your morning glories. This methods works especially well for controlling aphids, because they usually fall prey to predatory insects before they are able to find their way back to your plants. If spraying with water doesn't work, try making this tonic out of plants from the nightshade family. Soak 1 or 2 cups of chopped or mashed tomato leaves in 2 cups of water overnight. The next day, strain off the liquid and add two more cups of water to it. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray on your plants as needed. To control aphids, make sure you spray on the undersides of the plants leaves and flowers. The idea behind this tonic is from the fact that plants from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco) contain a toxic alkaloids in their leaves. The smell from tonics made from these water soluble alkaloids work to attract predatory insects (good bugs) to your plants to prey on the bad bugs. I haven't tried this tonic, but it shouldn't harm your delicate plants. Because it's water soluble, you will need to reapply it after it rains. If you have allergic reactions to members of the nightshade family, handle plants and tonic with care.
Good luck!
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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