Aphids on Brussels Sprouts - Dig for Your Dinner (2024)

By Mavis Butterfield on May 16, 2016 · 10 Comments

Jasmine from Facebook recently sent me a question about her Brussels Sprouts, and because it’s one of those pain in the garden sort of questions, I thought I would answer it in a post, so that everyone can chime in with what has worked for them and let you know how I typically deal with the issue.

She writes,

Hi, Mavis! I was wanting to know how to get rid of aphids on my Brussel sprouts? I feel like me and the aphids are in weekly battle! I have sprayed them with insecticidal soap for organic gardening, but I feel very un-organic even using that. Please help!

So, first up, I do use soap. I make my own insecticidal soap. I typically use a combination of water, minced garlic, and dawn dish soap. I mix all those up, shake it up a bit and let it steep for 24 hours {I want it to be an aphid A-bomb}. After that, I spray my plants–I use it on edibles and flowers. Make sure to spray them after you have watered, otherwise, it washes off to quickly to do muchgood. Spraying needs to be done daily as well–which is kind of a bummer, but let’s face it, organic gardening is straight up higher maintenance {and higher pay-off}.

In addition to the soap, I really like co-planting with flowers and other plants that attract beneficial bugsthat eat aphids. Those same plants also work to deter aphids in the first place. For example, onions, marigolds, or garlic planted near Brussels sprouts work great at deterring aphids–they find the smell repugnant.

Ladybugs are basically the rock stars of the battle against aphids, so if you can’t attract beneficial bugs naturally, I recommend ordering ladybugs and introducing them into your garden. When you introduce them into the garden, you need to make sure that you already have an aphid issue {no food, no stay}. Also, it’s best to water your garden in the evening, and then release them near dark. They won’t fly away in the dark, and if there is a water source, they will consider it as good a place as any to have babies.

Finally, if all else fails, and the aphids are winning the battle, it’s best to pluck that plant to save any others that might not yet be infested. It’s sad, but true.

How do all of you keep aphids out of your garden?

~Mavis