[gingersprout]

Hi guys

I have a fine collection of fruit and veg both indoors and outdoors now, but my outdoor tomato plants have a problem.  They are nowhere near as big as my indoor ones even though I hardened them off and they are in the sun.  They are absolutely covered in these little yellow and black spiders.  I have searched and searched the net but can't seem to find out what they are.  They are clustered together on the leaves and when you blow on them or disturb them they scatter.

anyone know what they are please and can I use soapy water (blasting them with water didn't work) or do I need to buy a spray of some sort?  I want to be as organic as poss but needs must I guess.

Oh also they are planted with marigolds in a pot in case that may be relevant

Many thanks

Keely x

[gawk]

I may be wrong but they could be spider mites. When you say small, how small are they?

It is more likely that a spider had laid it's eggs on your plant and they have now hatched, spider mites are very small and probably don't 'scatter' when disturbed.

[gingersprout]

Hi they are tiny, about the size of an ant.  They definately do scatter when disturbed.  They are mainly yellow with a black spot on them and there are hundreds of them!

[gawk]

I think they are Garden Spiders, more info here: http://www.britishspiders.org.uk/html/bas.php?page=faq&faq=17

[Laverne88]

not sure but they sound like baby garden spiders to me.........

[blackbob]

Hi guys

I have a fine collection of fruit and veg both indoors and outdoors now, but my outdoor tomato plants have a problem.  They are nowhere near as big as my indoor ones even though I hardened them off and they are in the sun.  They are absolutely covered in these little yellow and black spiders.  I have searched and searched the net but can't seem to find out what they are.  They are clustered together on the leaves and when you blow on them or disturb them they scatter.

anyone know what they are please and can I use soapy water (blasting them with water didn't work) or do I need to buy a spray of some sort?  I want to be as organic as poss but needs must I guess.

Oh also they are planted with marigolds in a pot in case that may be relevant

Many thanks

Keely x

they never will be as big and healthy as your indoor toms.thats because they are outside and we still have cold nightts.
if the said spiders are not attacking the plant dont worry about it.
if you can put a pic up it will help.bob

[gingersprout]

Aha.. baby garden spiders definately seem to the beggars!!

Thanks for the advice and info guys.  Bob, I thought it may be the case that the ones in the warm would thrive more so thanks for the reassurance!  The ones inside have got loads of flowers on them so I'm looking forward to seeing some nice juicy toms soon!!

Thanks again
Keely x

[Paul Plots]

The spiders should relocate later when they grow-up! 

Hopefully they will take care of any greenfly that decide to appear later - could be useful! 

[gingersprout]

great point!!  I'll leave 'em be then!  Thanks