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Hello there: Yes, aphids are usually a sign of too much nitrogen, and also hot, humid conditions seem to bring them on. Sprayers. _SOLO_ makes what seems to be the most sturdy and user-friendly. They clean up well, hold pressure, and definitely deliver a good, fine spray. If you need a power model, check out True Value Hardware's model that mists. Solo does make sprayers that carry other 'boutique' garden supplier's labels. Best prices for them seem to be occasional sales from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply. If you get one, be sure to keep vaseline or similar substance around to use around the gasket for the tank (the top, where you pump up the pressure) It helps a great deal to have an even seal, if you apply some around the contact surface. Ladybugs love aphids. (I suppose you already know this, but they are handy to help out.) We use our three Solo sprayers almost constantly, for Bt, fish and kelp mix with surfactant, and also a garlic oil and hot pepper wax mix that helps deter everything from deer to leaf rollers. When changing formulas in the sprayer, be sure to clean the tip and hose thoroughly. If you don't, the interaction of different sprays can sometimes lead to coagulated particles clogging up the nozzle. Keep a spare nozzle around, in a clean, dry container, if possible. Good luck. -sue If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html