Hi,

I'd love some advice.  Here in Seattle, I've tried numerous times to grow dill (outdoors), and it works fine for a month or so, but then the aphids discover it and it gets destroyed.  What works best to keep them away? 

Aphids don't usually kill plants.  They can suck moisture out of them (probably not a problem for you), they can transmit viruses, and they can encourage the growth of fungus.  I would imagine fungus is a risk on a Lakefront in Seattle, so I've included a fungus treatment that works pretty well on lilacs.

 

I live in Pennsylvania, and I've had aphids in houseplants, garlic chives  and "Autumn Joy" Sedum.  I've grown caraway and fennel, and never had aphids there.  Here's what I've learned:

* You can't really get rid of them, but you can keep up with them.

* Don't overfertilize

* Provide enough water to make up for what the aphids drink (ha!)

* Some ants keep aphids as "cows", for the honeydew they produce.  They protect the aphids.  Get rid of the ants with ant baits, and the aphid population will drop.

* Give the dill a really good sharp spray from all possible angles, including up from the bottom.  This will wash a lot of the aphids off.

* You can also run your hands up the stems, "stripping" off even more aphids, and squashing them.

* Aphids, being so soft-bodied, are very vulnerable to Safers soap (buy the concentrate).  Spray from all possible angles to get the invisible tiny aphids you;ve missed so far.

* Grow tiny early flowers that will encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and aphid wasps to take up residence.  They'll put a hurting on the aphids.

* Show your kids how to squash aphids without damaging the dill.  Give them a little bucket and pay them for bringing you a load of squashed aphids every week.  Put them out of their misery with a little soap.  The aphids!  Soap won't hurt the kids, despite what they might tell you.

 

* If the problem is fungus (black spot or powdery mildew), changing the surface PH can help.  Use a do-it-yourself antifungal spray:  1 gal water,  1 Tbs baking soda, 1 Tbs dish detergent.  Add 1 Tbs oil (horticultural or vegetable) if you like.  This can be completely non-toxic to humans (depending on your choice of oil).  If you want this to be anti-fungal, anti-aphid, use Safer's soap concentrate instead of detergent.  Spray weekly, or after each soaking rain.  The oil can also help to smother the aphids.  Make sure to clean the sprayer well afterwards, especially if you use vegetable oil -- vegetable oil and safer's soap are biodegradable, and turn into a smelly sticky waxy mass.

* To prevent fungus, grow the dill where it can get plenty of sun and plenty of breeze.  If they get too thick and bushy, prune the dill.  If they grow too close together, thin them out.

 

* Acidic soil could be one more source of stress on the dill.

* And try to keep the slugs away.

 

Good Luck!

Outstanding info, Renee, thanks. 

 

Today I can definitely say that I learned more than a few new things.

Boy I love this site!  

Steve,

 

Did you plant your dill yet?  How long until the aphids attack?