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Frustration
+19
CindiLou
Coelli
Goosegirl
marietta mike
rod champion
plantoid
Chopper
Lavender Debs
curio
walshevak
llama momma
shannon1
camprn
snibb
floyd1440
Furbalsmom
H_TX_2
UnderTheBlackWalnut
TejasTerry
23 posters
Page 1 of 3
Page 1 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Frustration
I'm pretty frustrated. As I've mentioned before, this is my first garden. I'm in the Texas Hill Country where we traditionally have hot, dry weather.
I have several boxes with tomatoes, squash, peppers...etc. 5 days ago we got 3 inches of rain, and it came down really hard. In the last couple of days, I see curled up leaves on squash/tomato plants, etc, and from my research, I see it can be anything from too much , water, compost too rich or hot, mildew, fungus, bugs... . the list goes on and on.
I know SFG says you can't over water with MM....but my husband says after that much rain, we need to let everything "dry" out... Because I'm new at this, when I push a finger into the soil, it seems moist...not wet, but a little moist. But after digging up a little in an empty square, it seems dry. Could it really be that dry, 5 days after getting a 3 inch rain?
At this point, I don't know why my plants are starting to look like crap. I don't know if I'm over-watering, under-watering, or some fungus is taking over....
Oh and here's another thing.... Yesterday morning we woke up and several pepper plants had been chomped on, down to the soil. We've been using Bonide Pyrethrin Insect Spray, which is supposed to be organic, or so I'm told, because a week or so ago, I found spider mites on the plants.
How do I know what the problem is? I look at the leaves, try to identify the issue, and go online to research, and there are a million answer to why my leaves are curling up?
I have several boxes with tomatoes, squash, peppers...etc. 5 days ago we got 3 inches of rain, and it came down really hard. In the last couple of days, I see curled up leaves on squash/tomato plants, etc, and from my research, I see it can be anything from too much , water, compost too rich or hot, mildew, fungus, bugs... . the list goes on and on.
I know SFG says you can't over water with MM....but my husband says after that much rain, we need to let everything "dry" out... Because I'm new at this, when I push a finger into the soil, it seems moist...not wet, but a little moist. But after digging up a little in an empty square, it seems dry. Could it really be that dry, 5 days after getting a 3 inch rain?
At this point, I don't know why my plants are starting to look like crap. I don't know if I'm over-watering, under-watering, or some fungus is taking over....
Oh and here's another thing.... Yesterday morning we woke up and several pepper plants had been chomped on, down to the soil. We've been using Bonide Pyrethrin Insect Spray, which is supposed to be organic, or so I'm told, because a week or so ago, I found spider mites on the plants.
How do I know what the problem is? I look at the leaves, try to identify the issue, and go online to research, and there are a million answer to why my leaves are curling up?
TejasTerry- Posts : 160
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 62
Location : Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio
Re: Frustration
Hi Terry!
I'm so sorry you've had such problems with your plants! I'm a total newbie to any type of gardening (just started last year) and I've had good experience with the forum gardening experts by posting a picture of what the plants look like. If you can, could you post a picture of the plants so they can see?
You can find directions in this thread:
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t129-how-to-post-a-picture-located-on-your-computer
I'm so sorry you've had such problems with your plants! I'm a total newbie to any type of gardening (just started last year) and I've had good experience with the forum gardening experts by posting a picture of what the plants look like. If you can, could you post a picture of the plants so they can see?
You can find directions in this thread:
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t129-how-to-post-a-picture-located-on-your-computer
UnderTheBlackWalnut- Posts : 559
Join date : 2011-04-18
Age : 57
Location : Springfield (central), IL, on the line between 5b and 6a
Re: Frustration
Last year we got a heavy rain shortly after I planted my garden and my little transplants really took a beating. They eventually came back and grew just fine. Last weekend I planted everything for my summer garden and then Tuesday we were supposed to get heavy rains. Luckily I already had my trellis already set up so I used that and tied an old bed sheet over the top of my new plants. Look at it this way at least nest year you will not suffer from the same things that you suffered from this year. Get some BT (bacillus thuringiensis) to take care of the caterpillars. A single caterpillar can kill a small plant in only one night.
H_TX_2- Posts : 288
Join date : 2011-12-08
Location : Houston, TX
Re: Frustration
Tejas Terry wrote: know SFG says you can't over water with MM....but my husband says after that much rain, we need to let everything "dry" out... Because I'm new at this, when I push a finger into the soil, it seems moist...not wet, but a little moist. But after digging up a little in an empty square, it seems dry. Could it really be that dry, 5 days after getting a 3 inch rain?
If your square is dry, it needs water. Perhaps the MM did not get thoroughly moistened when you originally mixed it. If it was not really damp all the way through in the beginning, that 3 inch rain may have run off instead of soaking in. It is so hard to moisten MM all the way the first time. Once moist, it will absorb water well.
At this point, I don't know why my plants are starting to look like crap. I don't know if I'm over-watering, under-watering, or some fungus is taking over....
Oh and here's another thing.... Yesterday morning we woke up and several pepper plants had been chomped on, down to the soil. We've been using Bonide Pyrethrin Insect Spray, which is supposed to be organic, or so I'm told, because a week or so ago, I found spider mites on the plants.
I would not use any pest control product, organic or not, unless I had determined what the pest is and what it responds to best. Sometimes, a hard spray with plain water can remive certain pests and there is no need for pesticide at all.
How do I know what the problem is? I look at the leaves, try to identify the issue, and go online to research, and there are a million answer to why my leaves are curling up?
One of your best resources is the Master Gardeners from your State University Extension Service. They can verify if you have pests, and what type they are. Look them up on line, then call them. In our area, the Master Gardeners have a tent at the Farmer's Market, plus one is available twice a week at our community garden.
Furbalsmom- Posts : 3141
Join date : 2010-06-10
Age : 77
Location : Coastal Oregon, Zone 9a, Heat Zone 2 :(
Re: Frustration
When I added the MM to the boxes, I'd add an inch or 2 of MM, water until it was soaked, then added another layer, watered, etc. I'm not sure what else I could do. I followed the book to the T. 5 composts, coarse V and fluffed peat moss. Here are some pics...the first 2 are of my measly little squash leaves curling up, and the others are of tomato plants. One thing I have noticed is that the one tomato plant that I bought at Lowe's is doing very well. My others I started from seedlings, up potted to MM, 2 inches under grow lights until they were about 6 inches, hardened off, etc. These plants are the ones having problems. But that Lowe's tomato plant is going strong, even has 3 blooms on it.
TejasTerry- Posts : 160
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 62
Location : Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio
Re: Frustration
Each part of the country is different and perhaps your best source for your problems are community gardens or some from of state farm or agway to answer your question.
Mel's book is a good guide but one must temper it with your conditions
Like your pictures and maybe someone can spot something to help you,
Mel's book is a good guide but one must temper it with your conditions
Like your pictures and maybe someone can spot something to help you,
floyd1440- Posts : 815
Join date : 2011-06-21
Age : 70
Location : Washington, Pa. Zone 6a
Re: Frustration
I certainly cant tell what that is but I can tell you one thing-you have something eating your stuff! I'm no expert on bugs and critters. If you look at that second picture something just took a huge bit out of the leaves. If it were me I would start by making sure Im not watering at night. Then, I would go out at night with a flashlight and see if you have snails or slugs. Your neighbors might think something's wrong with you but that's ok. They think that about me all the time! If you find snails and slugs, break out the salt shaker. A little shake will do it...I don't know if that's the dreaded squash bug-it seems a little early for that based on the size of the plant. But maybe someone else could chime in on that one...good luck though-I hope you catch 'em
Re: Frustration
Are you watering at soil level or showering the plants? Have you had hail recently? I would guess these little guys will bounce back.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Frustration
I noticed the rabbit poo what other composts are you useing in your mix? Adding a layer of worm castings on top and watering it well in could only help. i do that some times for a pick me up with my perenial vegies as I can never mix in more compost right into the MM. I pick the leaves out of my boxes too as oak leaves well any leaves really can harbor insects and dieseases. You may want to remove them too.
shannon1- Posts : 1697
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : zone 9a St.Johns county FL
Re: Frustration
shannon1 wrote:I noticed the rabbit poo what other composts are you useing in your mix? Adding a layer of worm castings on top and watering it well in could only help. i do that some times for a pick me up with my perenial vegies as I can never mix in more compost right into the MM. I pick the leaves out of my boxes too as oak leaves well any leaves really can harbor insects and dieseases. You may want to remove them too.
Were do you purchase worm casings?
floyd1440- Posts : 815
Join date : 2011-06-21
Age : 70
Location : Washington, Pa. Zone 6a
Re: Frustration
Floyd
I have seen worm casts for sale in my local nursery. You can buy online too. So far I have seen it from 1.30 a pound to $5.00 a pound. I would try a worm farmer nearby as this article suggests. It also talks a little about pricing rip-offs.
http://buywormcastings.com/worm-farm-bin-how-to-buy-worm-castings/where-to-find-prices-red-wiggler-earthworm-composting-buy-investment-benefits.html
I have seen worm casts for sale in my local nursery. You can buy online too. So far I have seen it from 1.30 a pound to $5.00 a pound. I would try a worm farmer nearby as this article suggests. It also talks a little about pricing rip-offs.
http://buywormcastings.com/worm-farm-bin-how-to-buy-worm-castings/where-to-find-prices-red-wiggler-earthworm-composting-buy-investment-benefits.html
llama momma
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4921
Join date : 2010-08-20
Location : Central Ohio zone 6a
Re: Frustration
We did not have hail damage, but that 3 inch rain came down really hard. I knew it would be hard on the plants.
I have rabbit poo, llama poo, composted cow manure (Black Kow), composted chicken and turkey manure from Lady Bug, cotton burr compost, and mushroom compost, with some worm castings thrown in here and there for good measure. From what I understand, none of these are too hot.
I am hand watering and trying to keep the water off the leaves, but that doesn't always work when trying to water around 1 square to get to another.
Late last evening we mixed up some neem oil with a few drops of dish soap, and sprayed everything down. Tonight I will go out in the dark and "hunt me some snails"...
I sent my pics to a friend here who grew up on a farm, and seems to think I am over-watering and I am having a fungus problem too. If that is so, then the neem oil should help.
I've spent so much money on this garden, I really need to find out what I'm doing wrong. The whole watering thing has me stumped, because from what I've read, plants tend to look the same if you are over-watering or under-watering...so I have no clue. I just assumed since it was "Mels Mix" you couldn't over-water, and here in Texas, things dry out really fast.
I have rabbit poo, llama poo, composted cow manure (Black Kow), composted chicken and turkey manure from Lady Bug, cotton burr compost, and mushroom compost, with some worm castings thrown in here and there for good measure. From what I understand, none of these are too hot.
I am hand watering and trying to keep the water off the leaves, but that doesn't always work when trying to water around 1 square to get to another.
Late last evening we mixed up some neem oil with a few drops of dish soap, and sprayed everything down. Tonight I will go out in the dark and "hunt me some snails"...
I sent my pics to a friend here who grew up on a farm, and seems to think I am over-watering and I am having a fungus problem too. If that is so, then the neem oil should help.
I've spent so much money on this garden, I really need to find out what I'm doing wrong. The whole watering thing has me stumped, because from what I've read, plants tend to look the same if you are over-watering or under-watering...so I have no clue. I just assumed since it was "Mels Mix" you couldn't over-water, and here in Texas, things dry out really fast.
TejasTerry- Posts : 160
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 62
Location : Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio
Re: Frustration
Terry, can you post a wider view of the garden, there may be some other clues that we could pick up on. As far as watering, one of these may be very helpful. At least I find them to be. It gets the water where you want it and they usually have a flow regulating valve on the stem.
watering wand
watering wand
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Frustration
That is exactly what I am using to hand water. I try to set it where it doesn't splash too much.
I will post a wider pic of the garden this evening. We are out all day today, so won't have time till later.
Thanks for your help everyone!
I will post a wider pic of the garden this evening. We are out all day today, so won't have time till later.
Thanks for your help everyone!
TejasTerry- Posts : 160
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 62
Location : Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio
Re: Frustration
Maybe it's time to invest in a moisture meter. Got mine at one of the box stores because we were not sure the "pond" beds were wicking properly. It was funny to note the moisture level at the various depths.
Kay
Kay
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
Click for weather forecast
walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4374
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: Frustration
I don't think this is slug or snail damage. They normally leave quite a "rounded" damage area, and not the small ragged holes like you have (unless you have a group of baby slugs doing the damage) It does look like something is munching on the plants though.
What we use for slug control is a mixture of ammonia and water in a 50:50 ratio. We spray the slugs/snails and the ammonia acts like the salt, but without leaving salt residue in the soil. The ammonia residue breaks down to nitrogen in the soil. If you have shaded areas, like boards or rocks/bricks around the beds, lift them to check for slugs/snails and pill bugs (look like armadillos). All three will damage plants, particularly young leaves.
If you DO have a slug issue, the easiest thing to do is to install a continuous strip of copper tape around the edge of the box. Snails won't cross it, as it gives them a shock. If you do this, just make sure there are no leaves or other item that they can use as a bridge across the barrier.
What we use for slug control is a mixture of ammonia and water in a 50:50 ratio. We spray the slugs/snails and the ammonia acts like the salt, but without leaving salt residue in the soil. The ammonia residue breaks down to nitrogen in the soil. If you have shaded areas, like boards or rocks/bricks around the beds, lift them to check for slugs/snails and pill bugs (look like armadillos). All three will damage plants, particularly young leaves.
If you DO have a slug issue, the easiest thing to do is to install a continuous strip of copper tape around the edge of the box. Snails won't cross it, as it gives them a shock. If you do this, just make sure there are no leaves or other item that they can use as a bridge across the barrier.
curio- Posts : 388
Join date : 2012-02-22
Location : Maritime Pacific Northwest zone 8A/B with ugly heat scale
Re: Frustration
The copper tape is a myth, unless you electrify it.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Frustration
A moisture meter is an excellent idea. I will look into that this week...
TejasTerry- Posts : 160
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 62
Location : Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio
Re: Frustration
copper tape may be a myth but I discovered last year they won't cross the prickly side of hook and latch(zelcro).
shannon1- Posts : 1697
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : zone 9a St.Johns county FL
Re: Frustration
ooooooooooooh good one!
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Frustration
shannon1 wrote:copper tape may be a myth but I discovered last year they won't cross the prickly side of hook and latch(zelcro).
This opens up a whole new realm of how to get a poly cover open and resealed. Thanks Shannon! I love dual purpose.
Re: Frustration
OMG! DEB good thinking so early in the morning!Lavender Debs wrote:shannon1 wrote:copper tape may be a myth but I discovered last year they won't cross the prickly side of hook and latch(zelcro).
This opens up a whole new realm of how to get a poly cover open and resealed. Thanks Shannon! I love dual purpose.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Frustration
camprn...great picture-you're totally correct about that-it doesn't work. I know, I was one who spent a lot of money lining all my boxes with the stuff a few years ago and it was a complete waste. I don't know how this myth got started but it's been around for a while...
Last edited by snibb on 3/25/2012, 10:55 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : mispell)
Re: Frustration
shannon1 wrote:copper tape may be a myth but I discovered last year they won't cross the prickly side of hook and latch(zelcro).
Are you sure? I am not doubting, just wondering of you have witnessed this. They do come with glue backs I know, although for outside I think some staples or nails may be in order.
Re: Frustration
That was just how I made the discovery. I used the hook and latch tape but sadly it did not stick well to the box or insect barrier but it did keep the snails out after I nailed it to the box.Lavender Debs wrote:shannon1 wrote:copper tape may be a myth but I discovered last year they won't cross the prickly side of hook and latch(zelcro).
This opens up a whole new realm of how to get a poly cover open and resealed. Thanks Shannon! I love dual purpose.
shannon1- Posts : 1697
Join date : 2011-04-01
Location : zone 9a St.Johns county FL
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