Can anyone please let me know how I can keep my herbs free from pests?

Question

Hi, I've been trying to grow a few herbs (chives, basil, thyme, parsley and mint) in my kitchen - but they've been attacked by some tiny pests - possibly greenfly? I'd be grateful for any ides for keeping these herbs free from little bugs! I don't want to use any chemicals if at all possible. Thanks.

Answer 1

Lock up your husband!

Answer 2

The easiest thing is to just take them outside and wash them off with a shower.  Most inside pests wash off in rain storms or man made showers.  I grow herbs in planters outside and never have much problem with pests. Wash them weekly and clean the area that the pots have been sitting with soap and water as well as cleaning out the drain pans.  

Answer 3

i have been having the same problem with my basil it is quite annoying because the damage is from a flying insect and so harder to stop i try not to use anything non organic but in my experience the soap is not very useful but this may be because my herbs are outside.

Answer 4

If you keep them in a bubble, they will be free from germs and pests.

Answer 5

Spray them with lightly soapy water daily.

Answer 6

we keep ours growing outside near our porch, do the bugs eat the herbs or are they just all over them? because that's natural for them to be on the herbs, and it means that they're healthy just be sure to wash them off before using them.

Answer 7

I planted Basil in my garden only to go out the next day and see that something had a grand time eating it.  Plant them in a pot and that way they are off the ground and you can care for them better.  I to do not use chemicals.

Answer 8

Well you could try some sort of netting housing using netting (with gaps big enough to let light in but small enough to keep bugs out) and some bamboo sticks. I have netting on my strawberry patch to keep out slugs and snails. It also keeps out birds.

Or buy a decent greenhouse.

Answer 9

Insecticidal soap or as the first persom answered, slightly soapy water. This is harmless to the plant and you. It will keep most pests away. Make sure you do not overwater your plants and cut off and discard any dead or dying leaves and branches as this can also attract bugs. Good Luck!