Man has been chasing insects from plants for ages. A good way to begin is to have a clean garden so as to prevent insects from becoming established.  Pick up and remove dead or diseased plants and other overripe fruits and vegetables. Yellowing and rotten fruit attract insects and so do weeds and grasses in the garden. Remove the weeds, yellowing plants and vegetables and place them away from the garden area.

A good method for aphid and insect control is the soapy water spray. Use 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of regular liquid detergent soap per gallon of water. Start with the lower amount and work up as needed. Spray this solution on the plant from the bottom up to the top of the plant, and be sure to soak the undersides of the leaves. As with any spray you might want to test it on a few leaves first before you spray all of your plants. Placing soapy water in bright containers around the garden will help lure some insects to a soapy death.

Another method is is a strong blast of water at regular intervals, not strong enough to damage the plant though. Covering your plants and/or circling the plants with a cardboard collar may also be helpful. Placing aluminum foil, talc powder, and red pepper around the plants is another method along with the age-old hand picking and shaking of the plant.