Can aphids slow/stop the growth and production of my tomato plants?

stevenfstein 7/3/2023, 9:43 am

My tomato plants were doing quite well and then I noticed a pretty bad infestation of aphids. Been using the dish soap method and put some of the yellow sticky pads out and the numbers have drastically reduced. Before planting I mixed in some composted manure, mushroom compost and leaf compost. Also sprinkled on Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Enhancer on the root ball before planting. Hardly any tomatoes and thin spindly stalks. Using the string method for support and pinching off all the suckers I can find. I live in NY so has been a pretty wet summer so far. Suggestions appreciated.

Best... Steve

OhioGardener 7/3/2023, 10:07 am

A lot of things can cause a temporary pause or slowdown in the growth of the tomatoes. Aphids is certainly one of them, but so is too much water (rain) or a sudden cool down in temps. If the aphid population has decreased, that is a good sign. Heavy rains can leach nutrients away from the roots temporarily, too. Patience is the best remedy at this time.

**sanderson** 7/4/2023, 4:06 am

Instead of dish detergent, it is gentler to use a Castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner's Liquid Peppermint Soap. Dish detergents contain surfactants that can remove the natural waxes and oils of leaves.

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/soaps-detergents-and-pest-management.html?fbclid=IwAR3qNr9Qt9B03knyqAjODIR07GCGyu8JPKBp8dbtJn9ZxhuUWMEmC25x4d0

OhioGardener 7/4/2023, 8:47 am

sanderson wrote:Instead of dish detergent, it is gentler to use a Castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner's Liquid Peppermint Soap. Dish detergents contain surfactants that can remove the natural waxes and oils of leaves.

In addition to that, dish detergents often are anti-bacterial, which destroys the beneficial microbes in the garden. And, the peppermint scent of the Castile soap repels many pesty insects.

stevenfstein 7/4/2023, 10:06 am

much appreciated - quick questions, does the peppermint smell linger? Will it affect the taste of the tomatoes or would I simply wash it off? Also, do I use straight or dilute a couple of teaspoons in a gallon of water like I have been doing?

Best... Steve

OhioGardener 7/4/2023, 11:00 am

stevenfstein wrote:much appreciated - quick questions, does the peppermint smell linger? Will it affect the taste of the tomatoes or would I simply wash it off? Also, do I use straight or dilute a couple of teaspoons in a gallon of water like I have been doing?

No, the peppermint smell does not stay on the plant nor the fruit, it dissipates over time. Only spray plants in the early morning or early evening, never during the heat of the day when the sun is highest in the sky - spraying soap when the sun is hot will burn the plants.

Don't spray straight, but mix 1 Tbsp per quart of water.

There is a short article and video by Lisa Bronner on using Castile soap for garden pests: https://www.lisabronner.com/castile-soap-spray-for-garden-pests/

Can aphids slow/stop the growth and production of my tomato plants? Bronne11

**sanderson** 7/4/2023, 10:40 pm

What OG wrote.

Just rinse the veggies like you would have done if you had used dish soap or other pesticides.

has55 7/15/2023, 1:54 am

Love the Bronner's. The group may find this interesting.
The Five Soapmaking Locations of Bronner Family Soaps

https://www.lisabronner.com/the-five-soapmaking-locations-of-bronner-family-soaps/

**sanderson** 7/16/2023, 6:50 pm

Fascinating!

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Can aphids slow/stop the growth and production of my tomato plants?

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Re: Can aphids slow/stop the growth and production of my tomato plants?

Re: Can aphids slow/stop the growth and production of my tomato plants?


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