I loved that my kale burst into flower this spring. I was glad I hadn't pulled up the old stalks last fall.

I was also glad when the aphids it attracted, attracted ladybugs.

I was putting my dish water out on the bottoms of the kale plants, not trying to get rid of the aphids, rather, trying to use all my water since I'm here in the very dry Southwest.

But... all of a sudden there were a lot fewer ladybugs.

So, I think that they must spend some time on the ground level part of the plants. Maybe that's where they lay their eggs???

I've stopped putting soapy water anywhere near the kale, and it does seem like there's a gentle increase in ladybird numbers.

Does anyone else have any experience with this sort of thing???