You’re absolutely right. For aphids (even the black ones that infest bean plants, watercress, or cherries, for example), the remedies we usually have in the kitchen or garden are often sufficient. Chemicals should only be used as a last resort.

If you’re looking for quick, eco-friendly, and inexpensive ways to get rid of aphids, here are the most effective:

Homemade Soap and Oil Spray

This is a classic that works mechanically – it clogs the aphids’ breathing pores.

Recipe: Grate about 15 g of ordinary castile soap (e.g., Jelen) or liquid potassium soap into 1 liter of warm water. For a stronger effect, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Application: Shake and spray directly onto the aphids (especially on the undersides of the leaves).

Nettle Tea (Quick Version)

While classic nettle tea ferments for weeks and serves as fertilizer, a fresh infusion is effective against aphids.

Recipe: Pour 10 liters of water over one kilogram of fresh nettles and let it steep for only 24 hours (do not allow it to ferment).

Application: Spray the undiluted solution onto the infested plants. Nettles contain substances that reliably repel aphids.

Garlic or Onion Decoction
Aphids cannot tolerate strong odors or pungent substances.

Recipe: Peel and finely chop about 50 g of garlic or onions, pour 1 liter of water over them, and bring to a boil. Strain after cooling.

Application: Carefully spray the plants every other day until the aphids are gone.

💡 Quick Gardening Tip: Beware of ants! If you see ants crawling around aphids, you have a problem. Ants effectively keep aphids in check and protect them from predators (like ladybugs) because they love the sweet honeydew they produce. To get rid of aphids permanently, you often first need to prevent the ants from reaching the plant (e.g., by wrapping the stems with tape).

What’s your best trick for getting rid of aphids? Do you have a tried-and-tested family recipe?