Re: Spider Mites on Mints ?

At 05:31 AM 7/8/2005 -0700, you wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>Is there an organic solution to spider mites - I think that is what has
invaded my mints in pots and perhaps my lemon balm in the ground.  One mint
looks like it is completely gone and the other three are suffering badly.
Since I use these plants in cooking, I don't want to use any pesticides. 

Have you tried Safer soap?  This will require multiple applications.  I'd
cut back the plants, check microclimate and fertilization, and apply Safer
soap as needed on the new foliage.

 I tried cutting them back and watering well but the mites just keep
multiplying.  Maybe I should move the pots to a shadier location, they are
now in full sun and earlier in the year they looked so good.  I was so
looking forward to having some minted lemonade on one of these hot
afternoons, but now I have no mint to speak of.
>
>Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Linda Starr
>Springville Lavender Gardens

Where are you located?  I could not tell from the information in your
signature block.  Whether you are in a dry or humid climate will have a big
effect on spider mite treatment..  You may have them in a stressful
microclimate as well.

Your plants are under some kind of stress which might be too much or too
little moisture or too much sun.  Fertilization (not enough phosphorus, for
example) might also be a problem.

Richard F. Dufresne
1216 Okeeweemee-Star Road
Star, North Carolina  27356 USA
910-428-4704
World of Salvias:  http://www.eclectasy.com/gallery_of_salvias/index.htm
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