How to Keep Aphids Off Your Lettuce

Aphids are also known plant lice, and they are especially attracted to lettuce. Aphids coexist with ants, as aphids secrete a sweet, sticky residue, which the ants feed on. In return, the ants protect the aphids from other insects. There are several methods of aphid control for lettuce, from natural insecticides to companion planting. Use a combination of both for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Vegetable oil
• Spray bottle
• Garden hose
• Chervil
• Coriander
• Garlic

Instructions

1. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid and 1 tsp. of vegetable oil.

2. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the leaves and the underside of the lettuce thoroughly.

3. Allow the solution to sit for two to three hours.

4. Use a garden hose to wash off the leaves. Leaf burn occurs when the soap is left on too long or at high temperatures.

5. Repeat the process every other day until you no longer notice aphids.

Tips & Warnings

• The National Gardening Association recommends a technique known as companion planting to minimize your aphid population. Companion planting involves planting chervil, coriander or garlic around the lettuce, to repel aphids.

References

• Golden Harvest Organics: Companion Planting
• "1,519 All-Natural, All-Amazing Gardening Secrets: Expert Tips for Gardens and Yards of All Sizes"; Reader's Digest; 2006
• "Organic Gardening Guide: Introduction to Natural Vegetable Growing"; Sam A Mancuso; 2010
• Oregon State University; Using Home Remedies to Control Garden Pests; S.I. Rondon et al.; December 2006