I'd remove all of the aphids by hand (squishing) or strong sprays of water. They multiply extremely rapidly, joe. Don't be led on by their small numbers right now. Ants are not your helpers against the aphids. They're actually protecting them, in a ritualistic relationship that benefits both insects. The aphids produce an abundance of sweet excretions, and the ants keep away anything that might harm the the aphids, in return. The ants might even try to sting you, when you take a few minutes to squish.

Hi! My name is Sonya and this is my second year gardening. Last year I did pepper plants and I didn't get a large crop from them but they did well. This year I planted Jalapenos , chocolate habaneros , ghost peppers ,cherry bombs, and a mix of habaneros and they all seem to be doing pretty bad... I would love if any of you could help me figure out what I am doing wrong please :). The leaves on my Jalapenos are yellow, turning brown on the tips and have holes in some of them as well.

I'm game - I have Jalapeno, (4 or 5) scotch bonnets, and Orange Habaneros for trade... I'm interested in anything unusual - possibly even Hybrids, as long as they will grow... Growing this year: White, red, orange, chocolate habs, jalapenos, Datil, scotch bonnets, 7pot, bhut jalokia, trinidad scorpion, to name a few.... Pretty much interested in anything I don't have, or any of the super hots (even if I already have them). Thanks! Ken

Nevermind, they finally turned red. Still the pod shape is different though. Looks like an ancho more than a jal and took FOREVER to turn red. I'm going to eat the first one in the next couple day; so I will post my findings if any. -HabBob