Brain Dump: Aphids and Artichoke Plants

I attempted to deal with an aphid problem on my artichoke plants, and tried a couple "organic" methods. One one plant, I used a simple mixture of vegetable oil, dish soap, and water. That plant survived.

On this plant, however, I tried adding a bit of vinegar and mineral oil, and as you can see, it completely burned this poor plant. The aphids have not returned....at least not in their previous numbers, but the plant's growth has been seriously inhibited.

Live, learn.....etc.

Brain Dump: Controlling aphids in your garden

Aphids: What I've learned so far:

• Aphids love my artichoke plants.
• Keep your plants dry by watering the ground, not the plants
• Don't water during the afternoon (if you can avoid it)
• A solution of 1 cup veg oil, 1 tsp dishsoap, 1 tsp vinegar, 1tsp wood oil. I dissolved this in water (enough to make the difference in a spray bottle).
• Spray on affected area.
• The ants and aphids will die in minutes.

I'll let you know how this goes.
Photo by wwigins.