Last week I sprayed my indoor plants (Clivia, Aloe, Walking stick succulent) with the combination treatment of water, dishwashing liquid and oil in order to get rid of the few aphids I found (brought in by a gift of an African violet). There has been no trace of aphids since, but the liquid formula is still on the leaves of the Clivia, a very large plant by now. Should I do anything -- such as washing the formula off the leaves or leaving the oil and liquid on the plants?
It should not hurt the plant, but if it is unsightly, you can wash it off. Placing the plant in the shower works well for whole plant cleaning.
How do you pretreat your garden to minimize bugs and other insects that destroy your produce?
We are HUGE fans on neem oil for that. It is safe for humans and animals and beneficial bugs but is very good for keeping away damaging bugs. It is as effective as a pre-treatment as it is as a post treatment. Here is more information on it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
Can you help me with aphid control?
This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
What do I do about bugs in the leaves causing holes?
Is it holes like the plant has been chewed or holes like the plant has been shot with buckshot? If it looks like it has been shot, then it is likely flea beetles and this article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-are-flea-beetles.htm
If the leaves have been chewed, have you seen the pest and can you describe it? If we can identify it, we can better give you advice on how to treat them.
What is the best way to kill squash bugs?
We really like neem oil for these kinds of pests. It kills damaging bugs but does not harm people, pets or beneficial bugs. This article has more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have a small garden patch and the first year every thing grew so well, but last year my onions and all my root veggies were infested with a root maggot. Is there any other way to rid the garden of root maggots other than using a pesticide? Plus, two years in row I have planted spaghetti squash and they start to produce but then the squash die and fall off, why?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/root-eating-insects-identifying-vegetable-root-maggots-and-root-maggot-control.htm
As for the squash, it sounds like a pollination problem. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/insect-pollination-process.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-fruit-falling-off-the-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/pollinate-squash-by-hand.htm
I have a foliage plant that I purchased and noticed a few weeks later it was infested with small black bugs with wings. How can I save my plant?
They could be a few different pests. But the best way to deal with them would be to spray down the plant with a hose and then treat it with an insecticide. I personally like neem oil. It is organic and safe for pets and people. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm