My pepper plant, given by my brother last autumn - it produced a fine red pepper in December, and has lived on the kitchen windowsill ever since. But I needed that space for chitting potatoes so it is now alone in the mini greenhouse.
I've just been learning about thrips. These little creatures can really wreak havoc with capsicums [bell peppers] as these photos show.
The worst sort are the Alf Rite Thrips. [Named for the man who spotted them in WW2, whilst he was busy Digging For Victory in his back garden in Sidcup]
But it took another 80 years for a horticulturalist at Kew, Prof Ailsa Loyd and her team to develop and effective treatment.
Para di-lysol FA developed from teatree oil is an effective deterrent, when put into a spray.
Thank you Alf and Ailsa, today especially I want to celebrate your achievements.
Thank you everybody who commented - those who spotted the joke, and those who made encouraging comments about gardening!
Wondered what this year's offering would be. You never disappoint!
ReplyDeleteHappy April 1st especially to Alf and Ailsa
ReplyDeleteAnother way of avoiding thrips is to compost the plants at the end of the year and sow fresh plants in Spring. Starting with healthy plants will give you a better crop. (Although in this case there might be a sentimental attachment to your pepper plant).
ReplyDeleteHappy April Fool's Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy April Fool's Day!
ReplyDeleteIt's pests time in the garden!
ReplyDeleteAll garden pests are a pest! Hope you're able to treat them successfully.. we didn't get our potatoes planted, too busy but we will be this week.
ReplyDeleteShe's been responsible for a few things over the years!
ReplyDeleteExcellent work in the greenhouse Angela! Hahaha 😆
ReplyDeleteThrips are no fun, even if it was an April Fool's Day post!
ReplyDelete