I just got back from a quick check of my community plot. LOTS of flea beetles on the potatoes! I didn't notice them yesterday. They have chewed lots of tiny holes in the potato leaves making them look like fine lace.
It seems the recommended organic control for flea beetles is to either use row cover before the pests emerge (too late for this) or companion plant with marigolds and beans. This I can do. It will look pretty!
Solanum tuberosum
8 comments:
I had problems with flea beetles on my eggplant last week. I srayed the plants with soap and water, which worked for a short time. I ended up buying a bottle of basically the same thing with some oils added. The label said it was organic. It's only been a few days, but I've only seen a few coming back. Compared to the swarm I had last week I'm considering that a success. Good luck with the marigolds! If that works I might be trying that too!
I think the good news is that the potatoes are below the ground and are not what I see being eaten. I'm not sure I trust that a companion crop will really work, but I'll try. There are ALOT of beetles!
I hope to buy some marigolds soon - tomorrow.
I just came across your blog, I love it! This is my first year growing vegetables, I am so excited! I ordered tomato transplants from SSE, and am starting some lettuce, cherry tomatoes and spinach from seed.
Kathy,
The flea beetles have gotten my radish pretty good. I'm worried that they will devour the eggplants =(
I tried an organic spray - nothing. I think it pissed them off. I've read that garlic water fends them off if you repeat the spray several times a week. It will also keep vampires away.
Let us know if you find something that works well.
I've used garlic water mixed with some cayenne and that seemed to help a little. This year I'm going to try and make an onion and mint repellent, if it works I'll let you know.
Let me know. Flea beetles are new for me.
Mint tea has worked in the past for me.
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