Basil (and other plants) problem.

[sunnyco]

I planted a couple of basil plants and the leaves are turning brown. Some of my other plants (bee balm, for one) get this too. Little brown "trails" on the leaves, and I think that is what is happening to the basil too. But on the basil, the leaves tend to shrivel up when it happens.

I have several more to plant, but I am afraid to put them in the ground.

[sandih]

Does it look like this?

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3568

[sunnyco]

Oh, wow! I have seen lots of those bugs around here. I can't remember for sure, but I think they may be the ones that play peek-a-boo with me when I try to look at them. The just stay opposite me on whatever leaf/stem they are on.

My bee balm (where I have seen the most of those insects pictured) does get the brown spots too, but they are different than the ones on the basil. Some of the plants have spots, but some have what look like little squirelly brown trails.

[Kathe Kitchens]

Sounds like you haveor had leaf miners and leaf hoppers.
Your babies are obviously in distress, drawing the bugs to them in large quantities. Let me suggest planting them with a handful of cornmeal, a good bit of compost on the top of the soil and watering them in with a seaweed mixture. A misting with garlic tea will dissuade the bad guys until they recuperate and get established. Hope this doesn't come too late - if you lost the first batch, take heart and plant a new one. I just put mine in this way last week and they're growing like....well, weeds! :lol: :lol:

Kathe