Plant Rx: Wash well behind the leaves

In this Feb. 13, 2012 photo, insecticidal soap is sprayed on an orchid plant in order to kill scale insects in New Paltz, N.Y. Savvy gardeners were using soap sprays for centuries until DDT and other harder-hitting, longer-lasting pesticides were developed during World War II. Now, soap sprays are back. In these environmentally conscious times, they are valued for biodegrading quickly and being relatively nontoxic. Pests on plants don't always warrant spraying, but when they do, soap may do the trick. Photo: Lee Reich / AP