need pepper advice

**adalynn** · 06-17-2010, 09:46 AM

something is eating my bell peppers, I can't see any thing on them, so I have no idea what it is. I've been trying to do more organic gardening so I don't know what to do about this pest. I may not have peppers long if I don't do something.

**Russ** · 06-17-2010, 10:02 AM

you have either Pepper maggots or pepper weevils. Row covers is the only thing I know of. I would suggest a google search for an organic remedy if nobody comes up with an answer.

**frugalfranny** · 06-18-2010, 01:05 AM

Don't know your area.......or the critters you have there......are you pretty tropical?

Have a lot of other foliage around? Have you looked under and around them for things.......an ugly green or brown worm? slugs? earwigs?

There is some stuff called diatomaceous earth that you can get that is safe to use on veggies.....and won't hurt animals.....BUT....it is a fine, white powder, so wear a mask when applying it. The BAD PART is that it has to be re-applied after rain......and aren't you in your rainy season?

I like it as if you have something that is eating things....but don't know what it is......it covers lots of things. Slugs won't cross it....as it cuts them up.....earwigs and worms, the same but I hate applying it!

HD and Lowe's will 'usually' have it.......GOOD LUCK.

Nothing more frustrating than putting all the work in and then have something eat the plant..........had that happen to a cuke........think it was earwigs for mine!

**ladytoysdream** · 06-18-2010, 07:00 AM

I don't have your answer either. Sorry.

The first 6 we planted out in the side garden seem to be growing slowly. Hubby wanted them real close together. Then I bought 6 more for the garden out back, and so far, 3 of the 6 have been sheared off. Like someone took a pair of scissors to them about 2 inches up from the ground. I put the top part in water and am hoping for roots to start but not sure that will work. Perked them up though.
Pulled the last 3 back up from out back and put them in the side garden. They look real good now. We always struggle with pepper plants here. But we sure can grow onions and potatoes like pros.

Let us know if you get it figured out.
Maybe a picture would help someone id your problem.

**Darlene** · 06-18-2010, 08:12 AM

I'd try one of these homemade sprays easily made with items you probably have on hand. Good luck!
Organic Garden Pest Control Recipe #2

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 teaspoon dish soap or Murphy Oil (note: do not use a dish soap that contains bleach)
2 quart of water
Combine ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Use this organic bug spray for plants on your affected plants.

This and other recipes found at this site

**adalynn** · 06-18-2010, 08:52 AM

I live in southeast Georgia, yes it is our rainy season, but not had much at all. I have a lot of foliage. I have tried looking every where, every direction, can't see anything. It's only eating my leaves, there are nothing in the peppers themselves. Keep trying to fight them off before they get to other plants.