Tomatoville® Gardening Forums - View Single Post - Bugs vs. Fungus

Joz · February 13, 2007

Last year, my biggest problems were spider mites and aphids. I've been told the best way to keep both away is to spray the plants with the hose. The aphids lose hold of the leaves, and the spider mites don't like the increased humidity.

But then, I've also been told to not get tomato leaves wet when watering.

In order to keep the bugs at bay, I needed to spray the plants down every time I watered.

What time of day is best to do this? I'm in New Orleans, and my plants are in pots on my covered balcony, which sees about 7-8 hours of sun early in the day.

Will ladybugs eat spidermites?
Or should I just give up and spray with insecticide?

Thanks...

February 13, 2007	#1
Joz Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 27	Bugs vs. Fungus - to hose, or not to hose? Last year, my biggest problems were spider mites and aphids. I've been told the best way to keep both away is to spray the plants with the hose. The aphids lose hold of the leaves, and the spider mites don't like the increased humidity. But then, I've also been told to not get tomato leaves wet when watering. In order to keep the bugs at bay, I needed to spray the plants down every time I watered. What time of day is best to do this? I'm in New Orleans, and my plants are in pots on my covered balcony, which sees about 7-8 hours of sun early in the day. Will ladybugs eat spidermites? Or should I just give up and spray with insecticide? Thanks...