Container gardens have so many benefits over traditional “in the ground” gardens. They need less water. I can control the soil quality. I can–with some dragging action–control the weather. But there are a few things that traditional and container gardens have to contend with. One of them is stinkin’ plant lice.

What are Plant Lice?

Some people call them aphids. Some people call them plant lice. Whatever you want to call them is fine, but you do NOT want them in your garden. These little buggers come in variety of colors (pink, white, black, yellow, green), but they are all bad news to your plants. Unfortunately, vegetable plants are a favorite among plant lice.

If you don’t catch them quick, they multiply like rabbits, and take over your plants. They damage leaves and stems, which often affects how (and how much) fruit your plants bear. Some of them also carry viruses, which could end up being the death of your plant.

Check your plants often. You can tell plant lice have moved in when you see a clear, sticky substance on your leaves and stems.

How to Get Rid of Plant Lice on Vegetable Plants?

Treatment is simple, if you catch it in time. Just use insecticidal soap. Spray it on once a day until the infestation is cleared up. No need to rinse the soap off the plants. It won’t harm the plants, and might help you get rid of plant lice that want to move in.

Originally posted 2009-10-01 14:53:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter