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dan1003
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Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:10 pm
Location: Richmond, Va

Pole bean problem

First time gardener here. I've got pole beans growing in a spot that is probably too shady (I've got a serious want of sunlight in my small yard) and they are dying off (pictures below). My tomatoes, about 20 feet away, may be having the same problem but seem to be fighting it off. I had a serious slug problem in the spring, which was easily taken care of with some SlugGo (iron phosphate) and aphids on my basil, mint, and a few other herbs, which was taken care of with daily aphid-picking. Since then, I haven't found any bugs feasting on them.

Any ideas what this could be and how to fix it?
Thanks for your help!

[img]https://lh6.ggpht.com/_nA9-JTXPm3A/SnR2WaIYRLI/AAAAAAAAADc/8f_y8vdv-Js/s800/0801091159.jpg[/img]

[img]https://lh3.ggpht.com/_nA9-JTXPm3A/SnR2WgJ08kI/AAAAAAAAADg/2RKpz3if4U4/s800/0801091159a.jpg[/img]
ShadowLight
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Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:53 pm
Location: Round Rock, TX

Looks like spider mites to me. Look on the bottom of the leaves for little tiny red dots.
dan1003
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Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:10 pm
Location: Richmond, Va

Yep. Thanks so much! I'm thinking about just tearing out the beans (seriously infested), and treating the tomatoes with neem oil. My neighbor seems to have the same problem on his beans too, hopefully I can convince him to do something about them...

Thanks again!
ShadowLight
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Posts: 29
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:53 pm
Location: Round Rock, TX

I wouldn't do that, you'd be surprised how quickly they can bounce back. I spray my garden down every one or two weeks with insecticidal soap and it keeps them in pretty good shape. I doubt the plants will ever be 100% but they'll be healthy and grow nicely.
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gixxerific
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Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 5:42 pm
Location: Wentzville, MO (Just West oF St. Louis) Zone 5B

I agree with shadowlight don't pull them. Your not gonna let a teeny tiny little bug beat you are you. :P Kill the bugs and feed your plant it will more than likely come back,

Dono
dan1003
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Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2009 1:10 pm
Location: Richmond, Va

:( Neem oil isn't working, the spider mites are winning! I've sprayed them every couple days for almost two weeks, and the little buggers are multiplying. Any ideas on what will kill them but not kill me when I eat the vegetables?

Thanks!
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Diane
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Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:38 am
Location: Mass

https://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html

The answer I read above is simple. The spiders don't like water.


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