Aphids, and all that implies.

Last year to add to my butterfly attracting plants, I bought four Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' The goal is/was to bring in the Monarch butterfly, which they did. I even had them laying eggs on the plant, which happened too late in the year to get any offspring. The problem I found with this plant is aphids love it to no end. So my question is; Is there some way to treat this plant for them not to love it so much, and still not harm the butterflies? I use no harmful chemicals in my yard at all, and would love to keep it that way.

I dropped this question here yesterday in hopes of getting some conversation going. Yes I could have googled my question, but I like to hear from real people out in the trenches that can relate to my plight. In the 14 years that I have owned this house, last summer was the first time I have ever had an aphid problem. 90% of my flowers are perennials, and I do grow three raised beds of tomatoes, cukes, zukes, radishes, peppers, and carrots. Not a big production, but like many, we do love our fresh from the garden veggies. After a quick search online the best defense for aphids seems to be a simple one from this site. http://www.gopetsamerica.com/garden/...ol/aphids.aspx Cheap enough, and will not hurt the good insects.

Quote:

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This fragrant mix will halt an aphid invasion fast. It'll also kill any foul fungi that might be lingering on your plants:
1 tbsp. of Garlic Oil
3 drops of dishwashing liquid
1 qt. of water

Mix these ingredients together in a blender, and pour the solution into a hand-held sprayer. Then take aim and fire. Within seconds, those bugs'll be all history.

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There's more on that site, but this one really strikes my fancy.

Hi there, I buy green lacewings and ladybugs from Arbicoorganics.com.

It costs me about $60. each spring to get the Green Lacewing population going for the summer, but it's nice that they will send a batch monthly and rewarding to see them keeping my gardens free from aphids and mites.
Hope this helps.