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See Aphid.

Minute plant-feeding insects within the super family Aphidoidea. Commonly known as greenfly, blackfly or plant lice.

Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelionsWatch out for greenfly and blackfly developing on shrubs, perennials and roses, and spray with a soft soap solution if infestations are badCollect hellebore seeds from ripe pods, and store

Sow onion seed under cover, and keep warm until germinatedCheck overwintering plants for signs of greenfly and other pests, and treat if necessaryBring potted strawberries under coverDig up clumps of rhubarb to force into growth in darkness under

Take cuttings from delphiniums using strong young shoots, and root them in free-draining compostWash off greenfly from shoot tips with soapy waterFeed rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and camellias with ericaceous (acidic) plant foodSeveral shrubs

shrubs and pot them up in gritty compostRub greenfly off rose buds, or apply a soap-based sprayLightly trim broom and genista after flowering to keep plants in shapeWater newly planted trees and shrubs if conditions turn hot and dryTidy up rock gardens

Chickweed, Stellaria media, is best thought of as a delicious rather than a pernicious weed. Its young leaves are packed with vitamins, so it makes a healthy addition to salads. However, it can also harbour greenfly and spider mite, so remove

new canes about 15cm apartUse soapy sprays at the first signs of greenfly and blackflyThin out congested fruits on apples and plums - the remaining fruits will grow far larger if competition is reducedSow seeds now: lettuce, rocket, beetroot, dwarf

greenfly from shoot tips with soapy waterFeed rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and camelliasFlowersCover rows of strawberries with cloches Plant early potatoes outside in rowsSpray fruit trees and bushes with fungicide Fruit & vegPlant up bulbs, corms

, the young shoots need clipping two or three times during the growing season. Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelions Watch out for greenfly and blackfly on developing plantsCollect hellebore seeds from ripe podsAround the gardenPlant out