J Lever

Hi, a place I work grows approx 200m of roses. I was questioned by the owner on how limit aphid damage besides using ladybugs. Obviously no pesticides.

He has access to a wide range of essential oils, has anyone any experience with these as a deterrent.

The only other idea I had was using equisetum (horsetail) which is said to have a high silica content and may help strengthen cell walls against penetration

Any other natural remedies would be most greatful

I don't know the answer but just some ideas to confuse you further.

In a fashion you don't want to keep pushing the water away and then find later in the year that the ground is too dry.

Increase the holding capacity of the soil i.e. increase organic matter content

Improve aeration and percolation by deep ripping the soil/subsoiling

Use ridge and furrow. Create ridges to grow on and allow the water to sit in the furrow. This method has been widely used in China and Japan.