Glossary
Potassium Soap or Agricultural Soap
Contact insecticide based on potassium salts of fatty acids. Aphids, whiteflies, and young mealybugs.
Agricultural potassium soap is a salt of fatty acids that breaks down soft-bodied insects on contact. It is not systemic and is not the kitchen dish soap.
What it is used for
Aphids, whiteflies, young cottony mealybugs, and some spider mites if applied thoroughly. Zero effect if it does not touch the insect. Zero long-lasting residual effect: rain washes it away.
Responsible use
Label dilution, apply at sunset, underside of leaves, repeat application. Test on sensitive leaves. Do not turn it into a weekly shower “just in case”: you may also affect beneficial fauna if it is on the aphids.
What we recommend at Control Garden
Potassium agricultural soap 1 L for dilution. The first tool in the toolbox against aphids in edible gardens.
Recommended products
View catalogue
FAQs
Does it kill eggs?
With neem oil?
On open flowers?
Keep reading
All universesHow to Use Potassium Soap Against Aphids
Potassium soap works by contact. Wet the underside well and avoid burning in full sun.
Aphid
Soft insects on shoots and undersides. Honeydew, ants, and viruses. Act at the first curl.
Aphid Control in the Garden
Contact the insect and cut off the grazing.
Whitefly
The white cloud when moving the leaf is the adult. The nymphs on the underside are the real problem.
Mealybug
Sticky cotton balls in clusters. They need to be touched, do not 'fog the air'.