[Kristen]

What's my best line of attack? Infestation already quite advanced - some cobwebs to be seen.

I've tried parasites before but, by the time they got here the infestation had exceeded what they could munch (or the stuff just plain didn't work).

I have got some SB Plant Invigorator (which the parasites salesman recommended to me last time )so I could put that on whilst I wait for delivery ...

Or just spray with something deadly - but they normally say one application per season on Cues, or somesuch, and that puts me right off (once won't kill the Spiders and whatever reason there is for only one or two applications per season I don't like to think that's what we'll be eating)

I'm not organic, but almost never use any chemicals on the veg patch - bug-warfare being an exception!

[Lardman]

Anyway you can increase the humidity? They're not partial to it.

Other than that - If you're not happy with chemicals (and to be honest I've not found them very effective against RSM anyway) you can try the usual soap and water but they're nasty little swines and wont go away easily.

[Kristen]

Ah, humidity, thanks. Gravel trays around the plants filled to the brim with an inch or so of water?

Spray every hour?

Soap I can do too - hadn't considered that for them, I tend to associated it with thin-skinned blighters, like aphids (but to be honest I hadn't really thought about it just got into the habit of "Aphis = Add soap" ...

I have some leaves of something unmentionable soaking in a bucket of water - I might try that too.

Will it do any harm to get the leaves wet (when the sun is out?) I figure the leaves are in pretty bad shape already so doubt Scorch will make it any worse ...

[Ropster]

I would remove any damaged leaves and keep the humidity up, spray the plants and ground around them, gravel trays is a good idea

[Aunt Sally]

yes, humidity is the way to do.

Trays of water are the best thing.  Hose down the floor (if it's solid).  Mist the foliage.


Just right for cucumbers but sorry to say tomatoes prefer a dry atmosphere.

[JayG]

Agree with the humidity/misting thing.

Also agree that you might as well take off any really damaged and crispy leaves and destroy them; they will only be providing a source of further RSM's and not contributing to the plant any more.

[Kristen]

Can I stick some washing up liquid in the spray bottle, so each time I mist them I am using soap too?

I'm wondering if I could rig up a misting nozzle on the hose with a fancy timer? would that be too much?

Cucumbers are on the back wall and in previous years I've never used the vent at the end of the greenhouse, but I have been doing this year.  It would keep that end more humid if closed- so I'll stop opening that now.

Bit worried what else might get attacked, the French Beans I cleared out a few days ago had RSM, and they were half way down the house, and some of the aubergine leaves look "speckled"