Small infestations of aphids can be eliminated by physically removing the aphids one by one. Simply brush the aphids into a pail of soapy water.

If your plants are hardy and well-established, you can spray the aphids off your plants with a strong stream of water from your garden hose.

You can also eliminate aphids by wiping or spraying a mixture of 1 teaspoon of dish soap per quart of lukewarm water on plants with aphids. The soap will dissolve the aphids’ waxy protective coating, dehydrate, and eventually kill the aphids without harming your plants.  (Use care, however. Most forms of soap can also kill beneficial insects such as ladybugs which feed on aphids.)

Companion planting can be very effective at keeping away aphids. For example, catnip repels aphids; garlic and chives repel aphids when planted near lettuce, peas, or rose bushes; and nasturtiums will attract aphids away from broccoli and fruit trees.