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How can I keep aphids out of my garden?

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist
Steve Masley has been designing and maintaining organic vegetable gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. He is an Organic Gardening Consultant and Founder of Grow-It-Organically, a website that teaches clients and students the ins and outs of organic vegetable gardening. In 2007 and 2008, Steve taught the Local Sustainable Agriculture Field Practicum at Stanford University.

Steve Masley

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

The best line of defense against aphids is keeping your plants healthy. Aphids prefer weak, sick plants. You can also introduce natural aphid predators into your garden, like ladybugs and parasitoid wasps. A basic soap spray will also kill aphids.

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Question

How do you prepare a flower bed?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Remove any undesirable plants and weeds, remove large rocks and sticks, break up the soil of large chunks and mix in plenty of organic matter to enrich the soil. Once organic matter is mixed in, level out the soil with a rake. Lay out all of the plants where they will go before planting and make adjustments as necessary.

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Question

How many hours of full sun does a vegetable garden need?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Most vegetables require full sun, meaning 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Remove items, such as tree limbs, structures, or large shrubs that are casting shade on your garden.

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Question

How do you plan a garden layout?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

A garden should be planned about 6-12 months before planting plants. Evaluate the site for soil and light conditions, build infrastructures such as paths or fences, amend the soil, and design your garden before purchasing plants. Most plants should be planted in the spring or fall.

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Question

When should I start my garden in the spring?

Steve Masley
Home & Garden Specialist
Steve Masley has been designing and maintaining organic vegetable gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. He is an Organic Gardening Consultant and Founder of Grow-It-Organically, a website that teaches clients and students the ins and outs of organic vegetable gardening. In 2007 and 2008, Steve taught the Local Sustainable Agriculture Field Practicum at Stanford University.

Steve Masley

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Typically, it's best to start your spring garden after the average date of the last frost in your area.

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Question

I have what look like healthy squash plants, but then I noticed some leaf stems have been cut. What can I use to keep the insects away?

Community Answer

Soapy water works best to kill squash bugs. It is best to do this earlier in the morning, because that's when they like to feast.

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