According to UC Davis, my broccoli and Brussels Sprouts have been infected with Cabbage Aphids. Bastards! 
With the warmer weather come the insects. UC Davis advises to giving these beasts a sharp blast of water. Insecticidal soap is also helpful. Lady bugs (Lady Beetles) are their natural predators. Last year, the garden had loads of lady bugs. It doesn’t look like I can expect lady bugs to migrate down to the valley floor until March. Last year, I noted lady bugs in the garden on March 29.
March 29, 2009 Lady bug patrolling tomatoes.
Whenever they decide to head on down the hill, I have a feast for them to enjoy. Here’s a life cycle chart of Lady Beetles provided by UC Davis:
Lady bugs, come on down!
