In order to keep Aphids and other garden pests that like to munch your most favorite flowers, vegetables and garden ornamentals the only thing that you need to do is at a quarter cup of liquid detergent to a quart size spray bottle and apply frequently to the infested areas. The soap makes the desired portions of the plant less tasty and deters the pests from munching until their heart’s content.
One of the most important parts of this simple recipe for success is frequently reapplying the solutions to the aphids. This means that you must be sure to get the underside of leaves and apply the solution to buds and around the basis of the plants. By putting this solution on your plants the pests will gladly choose to seek other tender morsels such as your neighbors competing gardens.
To aid in the eradication of the pests you can also purchase ORTHO powdered pest control products that are offered in systemic or non systemic vegetable, flower and rose foods. I do not prefer this method because it can build up chemicals in your plants, the surrounding soils, as well as in humans and pets. However when used effectively this method can be helpful in moderation.
One tip to think about is that as the temperature increases so does the biological reproduction rates of the aphids and thus repeat applications are essential during the hottest times of the year. By repeating applications of soap spray to the foliage and buds of a plant at least once each day or every other day your plants will be happier and less pest prone.
One fact worth mentioning is that healthy plants are less susceptible to pest and disease infestations that could otherwise prey on weaker less hardy plants. By making sure to water and feed (compost, or fertilizers) your most precious plants alone with giving them soap baths occasionally the likely hood of having more than a few aphids hanging out in your garden will be as slim as the unfed aphids themselves.
Happy Gardening and pest removal.
