I have a big problem with ants in my garden. One solution I've tried that seems relatively effective is mixing 1 part cake frosting with 1 part borax and putting it around the garden. I made little ant cups using paper cups and plastic circles (I cut the bottoms of some plastic cups off and put the mixture on that, then covered it with the paper cup, which I cut a few holes in) so the mixture didn't just seep into the ground or get washed away by rain. The ants swarmed the stuff within an hour. It's been about two weeks now, and though there are still ants, I think there are fewer. I pulled the cups up a few days ago because the mixture was pretty much gone. I think I'll be reapplying within the next few days... if I can find more cups to dismember...

If your containers aren't too large, place them on their sides, and gently pour water over the plants while running your fingers along the plant stems and leaves to knock(and squish)the aphids off. If you wash them into the containers they will find their way back up on the plant. If you do this regularly it should reduce the damage over time. In the mean time, take a cutting or two and root them in moist potting mix or seed starting mix or sand to get more plants started for your kitties. Once they root, plant them in a container away from the others.HTH

I'm a newbie to gardening. I'm growing some veggies for the first time. My Purple Hull Peas appear to have some Black Aphids on them. At least that's what I've been told they are. I really don't know. I bought 1500 Lady Bugs. I released them per the instructions. - Stored them in the refrigerator. - Took them out and warmed them up for about 30 to 40 minutes. - Released half at dusk on the first night. - Released the other half at dusk on the second night. The Lady Bugs just strolled around the Purple Hull plants, walking right over the Aphids, not paying any attention to them. Okay, a few looked like they stopped to eat a little but, not very many at all. In a couple of days, there were hardly any Lady Bugs in the garden. A few days more and the Aphids have spread. They're taking over! I just sprayed some "pre-mixed" Garlic and Pepper Tea on them. I hope that helps. But, if not, I guess I'll try the Neem Oil (from seed, not leaf) or, maybe some soap and water with some oil mixed in.

Then I guess we don't understand your question or the point of your new post. For initial spray schedules, would you do once a week or once every 5 days? Label instructions last time I read them was 7 days. But there is little difference in 5 or 7 days so do whichever you wish. I actually think I found a couple of late blight leaves on my plants - not for sure but it hasn't spread to the entire plant. If you already have it then the Daconil isn't going to cure it (that was my point). If you don't, then it will help prevent it. I had been spraying with Serenade for the past month + so maybe that helped and the initial application of Daconil last week. Serenade gets good reviews in all the discussions here about it. Just search 'Serenade' to review them. I must say I wish I knew the Danconil helped get rid of the Aphids. They have been a huge problem for me. Daconil isn't noted or recommended as an aphid control. The disappearance of the aphids could be due to many things, including as mulio said, a secondary side effect of the hexachlor. Or it could just as easily be coincidence. But aphids don't "infect" plants per se and aren't responsible for the spread of late blight. I think all of this is covered in your previous post though so you could have just added any further questions to that one, right? Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Your previous post on Daconil