Plant Doctor Archive

Aphids on Brussels sprouts

I HAVE harvested our Brussels sprouts, only to find that they are heavily infested with aphids. The sprouts are so bad (the aphids have got right into them) that a big part of the crop was not worth saving. What can I do in future to prevent this infestation? It is very disappointing, as preparing the sprouts for cooking is very time consuming. I will be grateful if you are able to help.

THERE is nothing worse than trying to get insects out of small vegetables like Brussels sprouts! Try spraying with Target, Super Derris Dust or Nature's Way Pyrethrum. You can use just one of these, however it would be best to alternate with at least two chemicals. Also, try to hose them out with a jet of water. Make sure that you get right in to the centre of the sprout, as the aphids will try to hide where they can't be reached by the sprays. Alternatively, grow orange coloured nasturtiums near the vege garden to deter aphids.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.