vegetable garden in May. Other insects present and active now include aphids, cabbage worms, cucumber beetles and Colorado potato beetles. Aphids seem to appear overnight and suck the sap from the leaves and tender new growth, but they usually cause little permanent damage. Often, several parasites and predators, notably the ladybird beetle, help keep this insect pest in check. A forceful spray from the garden hose will also help to keep aphids under control. For severe infestations, try using insecticidal soap.
When you see ants crawling on garden plants, look for aphids. Some ant species protect aphids, moving them from plant to plant and even taking them into the anthill for overnight safety. The ants do this to ensure a supply of honeydew, a sugary water substance secreted by aphids and on which ants feed. A good natural control for aphids is a powder called diatomaceous earth. Apply this material according to label directions where 77