Bought a pepper plant on a lark a couple of weeks ago. But since people grow tomatoes year round here - I thought maybe the pepper plant might make it.

Problem is - I have what I think are aphids. I can't hose down - since these are watered by hand on the apartment balcony.

This pepper plant is next to my 2 rose bushes and a tomato. I can live with some aphids - but do not want them going to the roses.

I have sprayed by hand under the leaves with a hand sprayer - but it is not strong like a hose would be?

I do have some insecticidal spray. I bought "Concern" last summer - the active ingredient is "potassium salts of fatty acids." But I am trying to use less sprays.

Questions are:

1) Would planting something in another pot that would attract the aphids help? Does this work with containers? Is that a silly question?

If a "trap" plant would help - what do you suggest?

2) Is using this spray a problem - or not something to worry about?

3) Did I spend way too much money on soap? Did a google search for "potassium salts of fatty acids." They refer to it as a soap. Would it have worked just as well to use dishwasher soap?

Thanks.

Vicki