Naturally controlling aphids in your organic garden can be a challenge. I know I have lost more than a my fair share of garden harvests to these nasty beasts. But we wage the war! I have found a few options that have helped me in the garden without fearing that I am introducing poison into my organic garden.
So first things first – just what the heck are aphids? Well technically speaking they are a small bug that lives by sucking the sap from plants. They reproduce faster than bunnies and before you know it they’ve suck the life out of your garden plant by plant. You can see more about identifying these micro beasts of hell on the Farmer’s Almanac website.
Now that we have identified our enemy let’s talk about our weapons for battle!
Naturally Controlling Aphids
Companion Planting
The first weapon you’ll want in naturally controlling aphids are good companion plants. The best fight against aphids is the one that prevents them. Planting garlic, chives, onions and mint in and around your garden can act a a deterrent to the aphids ever setting up residence in your lovely organic garden.
Physical Weapon
My next go-to weapon against aphids is usually to take the hose out and blast ’em! I’ve even taken a paper towel and squished the little boogers. I don’t recommend killing them barehanded because it can get a little messy. Either of these methods can be amazingly effective – but generally only if it is the start of an attack.
Ladybugs
Another consideration in naturally controlling aphids is the lovely ladybug. Did you know that one ladybug will eat up to 5,000 aphids in their lifetime? That’s some serious pest control! You can purchase ladybugs at your local gardening store and even online. I have had some success with this BUT ladybugs are not going to necessarily stay where you put them. There are measures you can take to encourage ladybugs to visit and stay in your garden – check out Ladybugs and Aphids.
DIY Sprays
Sometimes the best efforts will still not succeed in ridding you of your aphid infestation. But don’t fear there are more natural options that pack a punch to bigger problems. There are several really good sprays that you can make for your garden that are natural – not harming your people, plants or animals. I have a few recipes that I have used over the last few years and they’ve been pretty effective on the aphids and white flies.
Well there you have it – some weapons to help you battle the aphids invaders in your garden. Sometimes aphids will come despite our best efforts, but don’t be discouraged; just keep fighting the good fight!
