I have a new blog posting up! Enjoy!

[Javaman]

http://suburbandweller.blogspot.com/2012/05/okay-i-think-im-buzzedpart-4.html

[dmosh42]

1. Nice pics, Javaman. I have a question on your eggplants...

I tried growing from seeds a few times, and last year bought a small plant, but the fleas and whatever else, chewed them apart. So, I wondered if you use row covers until they flower, or maybe don't have the pest problem?

[Javaman]

2. I've been really lucky as to have had zero problems with pests...

I had a few issues with a few catipillars early on but they left pretty quickly.

What exactly is happening with your plants? leaves getting chewed? or is the egg plant itself getting infested?

[dmosh42]

3. Yes, leaves are being chewed to the point where the plant doesn't grow.....

and eventually dies. However, this year I started plants from seeds again, and put the plants in the garden about 10 days ago, but with a row cover material over them. So far, they are doing fine, but bug season will kick into gear soon, so not sure. I'm in NC now, but lived in mid state NY previously, and like you, didn't have squash bug problems or tiny flies eating my plants. I will add, I realize at the point when flowers bud, I'll need to uncover them for pollination, and I'm hoping they'll be large enough to withstand the bug attacks. Hope you do well!

[Javaman]

4. When the leaves are chewed, is it in a scalloped fashion?

if so that could be caterpillars. If so, I will use BT Caterpillar spray. It's organic or at least it's accepted by the organic movement. I have used it to moderate success. You have to spray it on each day until the pests appear to have moved on.

Also, do you notice if they leaves are getting eaten in the mornings? If so, and this is a bit of a pain, go out early, around sunrise, with a flashlight and inspect your plants. Physically pick off any caterpillars or other pests. I had to do that for a while with my squash, basil, dill and stevia.

If you see any "curled" leaves, open them up and see if any eggs have been laid in them. Had to do that a number of times, again, with my squash.

It's a never ending battle.

I got by pretty Caterpillar free this year. Last year it was unreal.

[dmosh42]

6. No, it's not caterpillars. They(fleas or tiny flies) consume the leaves all over.....

,not just the edges. When I shake the plant slightly, all these tiny flies will jump off the plant, and it becomes obvious what the problem is. Amazing how they can zero in on the eggplants, but not the other squash plants, like zucchini. Anyway, the row cover material is doing the job so far.

[Javaman]

7. Huh, could be white fly. Not sure. You need to take a sample to a good

nursery and ask them. I take care of white fly by mixing a soapy water mix and spraying it on the underside of the leaves.

(it won't be fleas, they live off of blood)

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Bees in your pants!!!!

Actually I know that it was not funny....but I am picturing you with three bees crawling into a hole in the knee of your jeans and, well, it seems like a learning moment.

Your garden is doing so well.....heck, they are calling for frost tonight here, so you can imagine that it isn't really garden time yet. I am envious.