Kim O’Brien explains how to use natural methods to keep plants safe
During a great dahlia growing season, there are a few creatures you will need to watch out for – and tiresome though they may be, the great news here is that help is at hand.
In most cases, spotting the early warning signs can help you get on top of these problems quickly and resolve them using simple, eco-friendly solutions that will keep both your dahlias, and your garden’s eco system, healthy and flourishing all season long.
Wasps
Before flowering, the high sugar content of the water inside dahlias can become irresistible to wasps, sometimes causing them to swarm to the stems and break open the stalks to release the sweet liquid within.
These breakages can cause irreversible damage and even result in large areas of die back, sometimes killing the entire plant. Luring wasps (which are useful predators and pollinators for most of the year) away using small pots or saucers of jam placed elsewhere in the garden can encourage these insects to get their sugar fix while leaving your precious dahlias alone.
Spider mites
These tend to be most problematic after prolonged periods of dry weather. Leaves appear crispy and mottled brown, with a tell-tale calling card of white webbing on their undersides. Treat by removing any affected leaves at the first sign of the mites and dispose of these – do not compost. Spray the remaining plant generously using garlic water made by boiling crushed garlic and leaving it to steep overnight. Strain the garlic-infused water through muslin and mix 50:50 with washing-up liquid in a spray bottle, then shake well. You now have the perfect spider mite treatment solution.
Earwigs
The damage that earwigs do can often go unnoticed for up to a fortnight as they tend to nibble on dahlia heads when still tightly in bud. By the time the petals unfurl, it’s too late and the earwig activity is all too evident when ragged and unsightly serrated petals are revealed.
Overcome earwig damage by placing an upturned terracotta pot on a cane and packing the inside with fresh, dry straw. The earwigs will be attracted to hide in the straw during the day. By simply removing the straw (and its contents) and relocating to a safe distance from your dahlias, you’ll be protecting your crop and earwigs can lend a helping hand as they are useful as natural pest control allies elsewhere in the garden. Don’t forget to replenish your pots with fresh straw daily. The terracotta pots can be decorated to make them a quirky feature among your flower beds too.
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“Work alongside nature to keep your dahlias beautiful all season.”
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