Lupins

[Tilly2]

In an effort to stop my lupins being overrun with blackfly this year, would it help if I scattered nasturtium seeds around them? Would that keep the blackfly off them. I know that blackfly love nasturtiums.

[nungate]

There's a lot to be said for companion planting Tilly, but are you planning on planting the nasturtiums close to the lupins as that might defeat the purpose.
It might be worthe a try though

[Zacs-Master]

I will not post a Monty Python link, I will not post a Monty Python link, I will not post a Monty Python link....

[Tilly2]

I was just going to scatter them around the base of the lupins. Perhaps I should put them a little further away.

[Tilly2]

Zacs, I don't know that particular Monty Python sketch/song. Do post it.

[boxtops]

spray the lupins with soapy water - if you scatter nasturtiums, you'll be over run with nasturtiums ( believe me!)

[nungate]

That's what I would do Tilly, the lupins might also tempt the little blighters!
Failing that I'd have to resort to the spray gun.

[giveup]

I had a similar problem and sprayed with a sulphur spray which seemed to help

[carrust]

I'm putting nasturtiums in my poly tunnel along with marigolds to attract black & white fly. I'll trail the nastutiums through my broad beans as well....hope it doesn't do the opposite & attract 'em.

[Zacs-Master]

Your lupins or your life! Media URL: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=KbtVaTWs6II&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DKbtVaTWs6II
Description:

[Tilly2]

I tried soap spray last year. It didn't seem to work. I won't use insecticide in my garden. Any other suggestions?

[Zacs-Master]

Damn technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbtVaTWs6II&sns=em

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Zacs. I remember it now.

[puzzled54]

So to get back to the original question.........would planting nasturtiums among broad beans help to keep the black fly off the beans, or would it just encourage more blackfly?

[Tilly2]

Oops, it wasn't blackfly. It was greenfly on my Lupins. Well they were sort of greyish fly. Horrible things.

[B00]

I spray watered down washing up liquid on my roses, works a treat.

[Tilly2]

I tried that last year, Boo. It didn't work. They hatch them tough around here.

[Robinia]

The problem with lupins is that they have a particular aphid associated with them so I don't see a companion planting being of any use I'm afraid.

[Robinia]

found a link
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=653

[Tilly2]

Those are they, Robinia. Horrible things. I read the link and now need to buy some pyrethrum, I think, although I hate using pesticides. I wondered why the ladybirds weren't swarming all over them last year.