I managed to grow basil from seeds this year but unfortunately they've been recently attacked by these nasty critters. I've pulled off all the affected leaves but even when they grow back they soon get black again. They are also silvery in some places. Any ideas on how to save my plants without using too many chemicals? Thanks! ( photo / image / picture from catay5's Garden )
Fix a pail of warm (not hot) soapy water--use soap (Ivory, Dreft, etc.), not detergent, and dunk your basil plants in it for a minute or two. Then rinse the plant. Of course, this only works if the basil is in a pot. Otherwise, put the soapy water in a spray bottle and spray the plant's leaves top and bottom, let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse. I think this well help.
