Easy aphid control

Aphids -- soft, pear-shaped insects less than 1/8-inch long -- are active on plants this time of year. They love to feast on new growth, so you'll see them on new leaves and covered rosebuds, for instance. They're easy to banish, though. Just knock them off with a blast of water from your garden hose. (Be sure to hit the undersides of leaves and stems, too) You may have to repeat this several days apart, but it works well. For extra-heavy infestations, spray with insecticidal soap (an organic control) three times a week, following label instructions. Also, cut back on fertilizer for a few weeks. It causes the succulent growth that attracts aphids.