aphid infestation on Vegetable Garden
Quick answer
If your Vegetable Garden has aphid infestation, the most likely cause is: Aphid eggs overwinter on weeds and perennial plants; once hatched, aphids feed in clusters on leaf undersides and produce dozens of live nymphs per week. Winged aphids form when populations become crowded and colonize new crop plants, potentially spreading viral diseases as they feed.
Start here:
- 1. Spray infested plants with water twice weekly to knock aphids off
- 2. Apply garlic or hot pepper spray as repellent
Why Vegetable Garden gets aphid infestation
Aphid eggs overwinter on weeds and perennial plants; once hatched, aphids feed in clusters on leaf undersides and produce dozens of live nymphs per week. Winged aphids form when populations become crowded and colonize new crop plants, potentially spreading viral diseases as they feed.
How to reverse aphid infestation on Vegetable Garden
- 1
Spray infested plants with water twice weekly to knock aphids off
- 2
Apply garlic or hot pepper spray as repellent
- 3
For serious infestations, spray insecticidal soap, oil, neem, or pyrethrum
- 4
Introduce predatory insects like lady beetles and aphid midges
- 5
Look for aphid mummies (parasitized by wasps) indicating natural biocontrol is active
Keep aphid infestation off this Vegetable Garden
Plant perennial and annual flowers near the garden to attract beneficial insects that prey on aphids. Cover seed rows with floating row covers. Remove weeds from crop families in fall to eliminate egg-laying sites.