Question
Hi, I am a brand new gardner, and am having trouble with some aphids. I have a cayenne pepper plant that is about 10 inches tall. I noticed small white bugs on the leaves, and a simultaneous result of wilted leaves. I read one of your advice posts saying that you can kill these bugs by adding 3 tbs of lemon dish soap to 1 gallon of water. How do you apply the concoction and in what dosages/how often?

Also, I recently planted habanero seeds, which sprouted about 4 days ago. I have not seen any white bugs on it yet, but should I begin to apply the mixture to the seedling as well?

Thank you,

Jon

Answer
I apply the solution with a pressure sprayer once every three days until the aphids are eradicated. They sell them at most garden centers in one or two gallon capacities. Since this is a contact spray, it will not do much good in preventing aphids on the habaneros.

If you've read my past posts, you have probably seen that I am a big advocate of planting garlic near susceptible plants. The garlic repels the aphids and can then be dug up in early fall for your own use.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike