Beneficials vs. the Whitefly

Didn't get anything much done today as I was short on time, but did spend a bit of time out in the garden, which is buzzing with life (non-veggie flower above).
During the week I discovered that my Broccoli and Sprout seedlings in the bathrrom have been overrun by Cabbage Whitefly. Doesn't seem to have had too bad an effect so far, although I'm planning on getting an Organic spray to control them. In the meantime I was delighted to see this little fellow tucking into a feast of the pests this morning. Must be one of these beneficial bugs I keep getting told about!


The last of my spuds are now flowering (below). According to my book, they're ready to pull after they've flowered so I might have a look tomorrow....

Elderflower foraging

Went out foraging with Rosie on Sunday on Kingsley Common. Our main objective was Elderflowers which we picked in abundance. Also found what looked like some old Horse Mushrooms, although they could have been yellow stainers. they'd already been picked and were pretty old anyway so we left them. Should have been out mushrooming the other week after all that rain! I've started making some elderflower cordial with a recipie from the Food for Free book. (See below)



I got home today to find Mum had an accident with my two pot courgettes which now have lots of mangled leaves. I also found my best sprouts are infested with whitefly, and the ones outside are being eaten by caterpillars. I'll be impressed if anything survives....