Question
Hello! I currently have a tomato plant and some basil growing together, but I'm having some problems with insects, especially regarding my basil. The leaves get eaten away by something pretty quickly, and something has started making small holes in some of the leaves of my tomato plant. There are lots of flying bugs and ants around. I found this recipe to repel aphids:

3 oz. chopped garlic cloves, soak in (2) teaspoons of mineral oil for (24) hours. Add slowly (1) pint of water and 3/4 oz. of a mild liquid soap. Store in a glass container after straining the mixture. Use as a spray for aphids, mosquitoes. Start with (1) part mixture to (20) parts water.

Will this burn my leaves? Is there anything better you can suggest for a bigger varity of insects?

Also, if some of the leaves near the bottom of my plant are half yellow and dry, should I pick them off?

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Sophie,
I believe this recipe is safe for your leaves.  I use Diatomaceous Earth for pests.  I simply sprinkle it on the leaves like a dust.  It's a very powdery substance and will cover well.  
I wish you well in your gardening endeavor and hope one of these two methods resolves the pest problem.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.thelandofgoshen.us