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 Post subject: Troubled baby herbs
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:03 am 
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Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:57 am
Posts: 1
I'm new to the OK state and without a clue as to what's killing off our herbs. They grow great until about an inch or so then they just die, wilting and turning brown. I'd thought maybe I wasn't caring for them properly,(this is our first at herbs), but when I examined the pots I found three things; that the plants themselves seemed to lack roots, as if they were just gone. Two, there were these tiny black bugs that looked like fruit flies crawling on the soil. I sprayed a soap mix on what herbs we still have and it seemed to get rid of the flies, but not the problem because later I found these tiny white also see through larvae in the soil. I'm thinking they may have been eating the roots, hence no roots when they die. I'm not sure what these bugs are or why the soap mix seems to make them go away, and yet they come right back within a couple hours. I have no clue how to combat them and still keep things organic. Does anyone have any knowledge of this and a solution to try? I've tried soap and water, I've tried garlic oil and soap, I've tried soap and olive oil, but it seems that the bugs it kills don't get rid of the problem. Are these just insects that come inside through any chink they find or are they somehow living in the pots? I honestly don't know what they are and would greatly apreciate any advice.

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 Post subject: baby herbs
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:43 am 
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Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:12 am
Posts: 46
Location: lewisville,tx
it sounds like you might have fungus gnats. they usually are due to overwatering, the larva will eat roots and cause the plant to wilt and die. let the soil dry out as much as possible before watering. corn gluten meal dusted on the soil can help prevent but DO NOT use it if you are startin from seed, it is a natural herbicide! i'd suggest tosswing the soil in your compost and starting all over with new, sterile soil. what type of herbs are you trying to grow? most require more sun than you can get indoors unless they're in a window tthat gets sun most of the day. go to info link on home page, go to "G" and there is a plurb about gnats. i also did a google search and there was a link that gave more info and showed a picture. good luck and keep it natural!
unklmike


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 Post subject: baby herbs
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:48 am 
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Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:12 am
Posts: 46
Location: lewisville,tx
it sounds like you might have fungus gnats. they usually are due to overwatering, the larva will eat roots and cause the plant to wilt and die. let the soil dry out as much as possible before watering. corn gluten meal dusted on the soil can help prevent but DO NOT use it if you are startin from seed, it is a natural herbicide! i'd suggest tosswing the soil in your compost and starting all over with new, sterile soil. what type of herbs are you trying to grow? most require more sun than you can get indoors unless they're in a window tthat gets sun most of the day. go to info link on home page, go to "G" and there is a plurb about gnats. i also did a google search and there was a link that gave more info and showed a picture. good luck and keep it natural!
unklmike http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2114.html
here is that web site


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 5:44 pm 
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Joined: Sat May 10, 2003 5:48 pm
Posts: 806
Location: Weatherford,TX
Use HORTICULTURAL CORN MEAL for fungus problems, not Corn Gluten Meal. CGM is for weed control & fertilizing.

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The "soap" you use is normally chemicals, etc. Use real SOAP !!


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 Post subject: Herb problems
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:01 am 
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Joined: Wed May 21, 2003 5:33 pm
Posts: 829
Location: Dallas,TX
Bingo, KHWOZ. The corn gluten meal can CAUSE problems. It sounds like you might also have a bacterial or fungal problem, with the wilting and turning brown. Potassium bicarbonate or baking soda will address that. Mix 1 tablespoon to a gallon of water and spray.

My suggestions would be to mix horticultural cornmeal into the potting soil from the very beginning, be sure you are not watering too much, and add some seaweed to the water you use to promote growth of roots and tops. And use an organic potting soil, not a sterile soil. Sterile potting soils have no life in them. Or use a good compost mix and add the cornmeal. For each 5 gallon pot, throw a handful of cornmeal into the soil when you plant. Herbs mostly like to be left alone save a weekly watering, or twice weekly if they are in a pot. If you can't get horticultural cornmeal where you are, use an inexpensive plain cornmeal instead. It will work.
Hope that helps! :D
Kathe
P.S. What types are you growing, out of curiosity?


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