I know this is slightly off topic, but seen as some of you were talkin about tomato plants I thought I woul post it anyway.

Does anyone have a good chemical-free method for removing aphids?

Well, there are two ways I know of - first is a very mild detergent solution, second (which is the one I tend to use) is "thumb and finger".

Of course, the second one is only really practical if you have a small number of plants!

isn't it the job of ladybirds / ladybugs ?

Steve

This year, I have planted a few merigolds in vegetable bed, they are supposed to keep bugs away.

Lady birds are thriving in my garden, but don't survive the bug killers, if you use them.

Sorry, forgot to mention my name above.

If you are lucky enough to have ladybirds in the garden, and pretty to look at, they are also very vicious creatures and likely to clear over 100 aphids per day each!

Spiders also do a good job, although being slightly more sophisticated prefer the warmth and dryness of our homes, but a good spider's web is far more effective than any fly spray and much more eco-friendly!

Pat - ive heard, but not tried it, crush some red chillies and garlic and infuse these in water and then spray on the plants. Worth a shot?

Cheers

Steve