What are the little black dots on my borage plants? How do I get rid of them without aggressive chemicals?

Question

The dots cling to the plant as separate items, almost as if someone shook a bag of tiny black bits over the plant and they stuck to the leaves and stems.

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Answer 1

Thank you very very much. Your help is all the more appreciated as I am a first time gardener!

Answer 2

These appear to be black aphids.

A strong blast of water from a hose followed by treatment with Neem Oil is a way to treat them.

Neem Oil is organic and safe to use.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm