The Daily Fix: Get Rid of Aphids Naturally

As quickly as spring buds appear, so do the aphids. These tiny nutrient-sucking bugs clusters together and feed off a plant's new growth.

My first encounter with aphids (often called plant lice) was also my first year tending a garden. I didn't notice them right away, and when I did, it was bad. With a young child playing in the garden, I knew I didn't want to introduce toxic chemicals to the yard -- but I did want those disgusting little bugs to stop feeding off my plants.

Aphids are tiny and can be waxy or woolly. They may be green, yellow, brown, red or black. This common garden pest can multiply by 80 each week. As they feed on pland causing curled leaves, stunted shoots, yellowing, and other forms of distortion. Inspect your plants regularly, and ward off aphids early as possible -- preferably before you notice any damage.

If you do notice aphids in the garden, try picking or spraying them off. If sections of the plant are particularly infested, it's recommended that you simply cut that part off, getting rid of the entire colony. Apply one of these natural homemade solutions to prevent them from coming back (and keep scrolling down for the amazing ladybug solution!).

Soap Spray
In a spray bottle, mix the following:

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 drops of liquid dish soap
4 cups warm water

Shake well, and spray the leaves and steams of infected plants and surrounding plants to get rid of a current aphid problem. Spray weekly to keep new ones away.

Safety tip: The first time I made this solution I used way too much dish soap and it burned the leaves of my flowers. You really only need a couple of drops.

Ginger Spray
In a spray bottle, mix the following:

1/2 cup finely chopped ginger
2 cups of warm water

Let the solution sit for a couple of hours. Shake well. Spray the leaves and stems of infected plants and surrounding plants. This solution will not kill existing aphids, but it will repel them. Spray plants weekly. Another approach? Planting ginger in your garden among the plants that the aphids are targeting.

Safety tip: Ginger spray has a strong odor. This shouldn't be an issue in outdoor spaces, but it isn't recommended for indoor plants.

The Ladybug Effect
Another great way to keep the aphids away is to introduce predator bugs to your garden. Ladybugs feed on aphids and will clean your foliage naturally -- then move on to feed in a neighboring garden.

We had some ladybugs nearby so I brought them over to feed on the infected areas. It worked beautifully. And personally, I find a certain perfection in the way nature manages itself. You can also buy ladybugs from your local garden store for this specific purpose.

Have you discovered any great tips for getting rid of garden pests? Share your secrets in the comments!