Aphids sucking the juice from a new rose cane

Bad News: Aphids attack new growth on a variety of vegetables and ornamental plants such as roses. They are all females and are born pregnant. They can have as many as 100 babies each. It only takes 10 days for them to mature and become new mothers.

Good News: Just about every predator (lady bugs, salamanders, bush tits – to name a few) love eating them.

Alejandro Del Pozo, UC Ag Extension officer for Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, discusses insects on “In The Garden,” 9-9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 27. Learn about common insect pests and how to minimize their damage by using the principles of Integrated Pest Management. Also, learn about beneficial insects and how they can join your gardening team to create an ecologically balanced home garden.