Q: Dear Dave,The edges of my 8-week-old plants’ leaves have turned a light silver or white in color, and I have lost one of five plants. They are in 18-quart tubs. I have poured water through the tubs and that seemed to help. Thanks for your help, Thomas A: Hello Thomas:It is nearly impossible to diagnose pepper problems such as this …
Late-Planted Chiles
Q: Dear Dave,I have around 8 varieties that I plan on growing this year—all of them have growth cycles below 85 days. The problem I see is that I may have started germinating inside them too late—first week of April. I have lots of sprouts and they are all doing really well. I plan on not moving them outside until June …
Organic Solution to Whiteflies?
Q: Dear Dave,I have a lot of hot pepper plants, and I’m trying to find out the best way to get rid of whiteflies. I’m having a hard time. Is there an organic way?–Gordon A: Hello Gordon:You can wash the plants with insecticidal soap, but really there is no organic solution to this problem. Everyone wants an organic solution, but …
Watering & Fetilizer
Q: Dave,Greetings from the Iowa Great Lakes. I am going to plant 15 varieties of chile plants (about 80 plants total) this summer. Can I water with an underground lawn sprinkler system? Watering will be done in the early morning to allow for sufficient leaf drying. The water will be drawn from the lake which is quite fertile, evidenced by …
Pest Control on Just-Germinated Sprouts
Q: Hello Dave,What is the best pest control for aphids and other pests on just-germinated sprouts from chile seeds? I live in Upstate New York and an aerosol would not contaminate the area. I am growing habaneros, Tobascos, Thai dragon and Scotch bonnets. They are being started inside, until mature.–Steve A: Hello Mike:I gently mist the area with Raid Flying …