Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Help! What's eating holes in leaves?

Collapse

X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Help! What's eating holes in leaves?

    Whatever it is it's not a fussy eater - nearly every plant seems to be affected. Sometimes there are small roundish holes in the middle of the leaf but sometimes they spread right to the edge of the leaf giving a ragged edge. I've examined the plants carefully but can't see any sign of critters. I've sprayed everything with Bug Clear but now it has spread to my tomatoes! I need some advice before it chomps its way through everything.
    Dogs have masters - cats have staff.

  • #2
    Most likely slugs or snails. You may see a slime trail but don't always see the snails or slugs as they are most active after dark. Try taking a torch out after dark and see what's there.

    Comment


    • #3
      Like Wendy has said it could be a slug or a snail. Go out when it is dark with a torch and look for them. I am having the same problem to.
      Carrie

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by cariann88 View Post
        Like Wendy has said it could be a slug or a snail. Go out when it is dark with a torch and look for them. I am having the same problem to.
        That would make sense for some of them, as we do get a lot of slugs and snails and I'm familiar with their damage, but some of the plants at high level on staging, etc have tiny holes in the middle of the leaf and in my experience slugs and snails don't do tiny holes - they eat the whole lot. Is there something else it could be? A flying pest perhaps?
        Dogs have masters - cats have staff.

        Comment


        • #5
          Could it be Flea beetles?
          Flea beetles on brassicas and allied plants/RHS Gardening

          Comment


          • #6
            "but some of the plants at high level on staging!

            Could be Giraffes

            I'll get my coat on the way out.
            Last edited by fishpond; 21-06-2014, 05:35 PM.
            Feed the soil, not the plants.
            (helps if you have cluckies)

            Man v Squirrels, pigeons & Ants
            Bob

            Comment


            • #7
              Has to be slugs..my Hostas look like string vests in the morning after slugs have been out. If your growing things in containers try grease around rim of pot or copper wire works.


              Sent from my iPad using Grow Your Own Forum mobile app

              Comment


              • #8
                This year I've had a lot of leaf damage too - runner beans, sunflowers, cucumber, even one of the potatoes has been almost stripped, and I've never known slugs do that, they usually go for the spuds themselves, which so far have been fine. And the brassicas are under micromesh, which I think slugs would still get to, but they are untouched.
                Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
                Endless wonder.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Could be leafcutter bees especially if the holes are perfectly round and all the same size


                  Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum
                  don't be afraid to innovate and try new things
                  remember.........only the dead fish go with the flow

                  Another certified member of the Nutters club

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by snakeshack View Post
                    Could be leafcutter bees especially if the holes are perfectly round and all the same size
                    They seem to prefer my roses and fly round the house to the front garden to snip bits off, then back to the bee tubes in the back garden.
                    Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
                    Endless wonder.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Gertrude's Ghost View Post
                      I've sprayed everything with Bug Clear
                      Your problem is snails, probably baby ones which get everywhere and can climb to great heights. Bug Clear won't work on them, as you've discovered. You need to get out in the dark with a torch to see them
                      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                        Your problem is snails, probably baby ones which get everywhere and can climb to great heights. Bug Clear won't work on them, as you've discovered. You need to get out in the dark with a torch to see them
                        Yes, I've decided that must be it - I found a really tiny snail on the back of my potting bench, minute! I've bought some slug bait to see if that helps.
                        Dogs have masters - cats have staff.

                        Comment

                        Latest Topics

                        Collapse

                        Recent Blog Posts

                        Collapse
                        Working...
                        X