APHID SOUP

If you grow roses, chances are you’ve had aphid problems. The following recipe is for an environmentally friendly spray that works well on aphids. All the ingredients are readily available and affordable.

Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove and turn it off. To the pot of water add the following:

Ingredients

• ½ cup shredded basil leaves
• ½ cup shredded coriander leaves
• ½ cup chopped chives
• ¼ cup shredded peppermint leaves
• ½ cup shredded elderberry leaves
• ¼ cup shredded eucalyptus leaves
• 3 cloves of crushed garlic
• 2 tablespoons of freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup shredded rhubarb leaves

Method

Steep in hot water for 1 hour. Strain into a jar. Gently stir in one teaspoon of dish soap. Using a funnel, transfer aphid soup to a spray bottle.

Spray plants well, including the underside of the leaves. Spray again 3 days later. Plants should be sprayed at the first sign of aphids.