Aphids are soft-bodied and come in green, black, yellow, and gray. Sticky honeydew and ants farming the colony are clues. They prefer lush, nitrogen-heavy growth — overfertilized beds get hit first.
First responses
- Blast undersides of leaves with water in the morning. Repeat a few days in a row.
- Pinch out the worst tips into a bag and trash them if the colony is tiny and localized.
- Watch for lady beetles, lacewings, and hoverfly larvae. If they are present, pause sprays.
- For a stubborn patch, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil labeled for food crops — cover undersides, and follow the label.
Prevention that actually helps
- Do not push soft growth with constant high-nitrogen feeding. See fertilizing a raised bed.
- Keep weeds down at the bed edge; some harbor aphids between crops.
- Inspect new nursery plants before they join the garden.
Frequently asked questions
Will aphids kill my tomato?
Heavy colonies distort tips and can spread viruses, but a moderate infestation rarely kills a healthy plant. Act early on peppers and greens, which show damage faster.
Are yellow sticky traps enough?
They catch some winged adults and help you notice a problem. They do not replace checking leaves.