Aphids are parasites that can cause significant damage to plants in your garden or vegetable patch. They pierce plant tissues to feed on sap, weakening the plants. Additionally, aphid saliva is irritating and even toxic, leading to curled foliage. If you want to protect your plants and preserve your crops from aphids, these home remedies will be very helpful.

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1. Garlic

Aphids on a green plant. source: spm

To prepare an effective homemade insecticide against aphids, you will need:

  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 liter of water

How to do it:

  1. In a container, let the garlic cloves macerate in water for a whole day.
  2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan, boil for 20 minutes, and then let it cool.
  3. Strain the solution and transfer it to a spray bottle. Spray the garlic decoction on the infested plants.

This insecticide can be applied up to twice a day to enhance plant growth. It also helps eliminate scale insects, caterpillars, ants, and red spider mites.

2. Black Soap

Black soap is a natural and biodegradable soap made from linseed or olive oil. It is effective against aphids. To use it:

  • Dilute 75 ml of liquid black soap in 1 liter of water and transfer the solution to a spray bottle. Spray directly on the aphids. If you don’t have liquid black soap, dilute 20 g of black soap paste in lukewarm water.

3. Coffee Grounds

Using coffee grounds for plants. source: spm

Coffee grounds have multiple benefits. Besides fertilizing plants, they can act as a natural repellent. They are effective in keeping away aphids, ants, and gastropods like slugs. To use:

  • Simply spread the coffee grounds at the base of the infested plants. Make sure to dry the coffee grounds before use and scatter them well. Renew them as soon as they become damp.

4. Ladybugs

To eliminate pests, attract certain beneficial insects to your garden, like ladybugs, which are fond of aphids. To attract them:

  • Grow flowering plants such as dandelions or daisies. Ladybugs feed on their pollen. Additionally, pile up dead leaves and small branches around your garden to provide winter shelter for ladybugs. Do not remove these shelters until March.

5. Fern Manure

Fern manure is a natural product created by macerating, infusing, or fermenting plants. To protect against green or black aphids:

  1. Leave 1 kg of bracken leaves to macerate in 10 liters of rainwater in a covered container kept cool.
  2. Let it macerate for up to ten days, stirring once a day.
  3. Filter the mixture and keep it cool.
  4. To use, dilute the fern manure to 10% in rainwater and spray on aphid-infested plants.

With these tips, you can easily get rid of aphids attacking your plants without resorting to chemicals.

Garden Basics