On Sat, 29 May 2004 22:46:21 GMT, "Pam - gardengal"
wrote:


"gregpresley" wrote in message
...
Hi Pam, thanks for the info columbine cutworms - I have several plants
which literally lost the majority of their foliage in ONE NIGHT. You're
correct however. The plants are sending up new foliage from the base. Do
you think our heat wave of March and April accelerated the growth of these
buggers? (I long for the heat and sunshine now - it's been cloudy and
rainy
for nearly 2 weeks now, and today is FREEZING).

I dunno, Greg - I have always had a problem with cutworms and columbine
regardless of how balmy the spring may be. They don't seem to bother too
much else, though, and I have a policy of peaceful coexistance with most
garden critters - unless I catch them in the act, then all bets are off!!

Cutworms with older established plants? I've never had trouble with
cutworms, or even leaf miners, but thrips suck all the color out of
the blossoms, so I finally had to realize I need to only grow white
ones!! Or go out and catch minute pirate bugs to eat the thrips.. or
spend money LOTS of money to buy the minute pirate bugs to eat all
the thrip that suck on columbine and petunia flowers, and gladioli,
onions.. etc.! Only works if there is an abundant source of pests..
or food, .. all depends on which perspective you're looking at it
from.. bug or gardener.! And you need to not use any pesticides or
you're going to waste your time and money!

Janice

Spooky weather - tornadoes in the PNW, what next?!? And of course the
monsoons have to arrive when the only reliable piece of transportation I
have is my little antique convertible with the hole in the top and the
defunct windshield wiper motor. Nice timing!

pam - gardengal


"Pam - gardengal" wrote in message
news:bv2uc.13048$js4.11667@attbi_s51...

"BottleCap" wrote in message
...
Hello

I have one single columbine that has a pretty bad case of leaf miners.
I
know usually you can just pick off the infested leaves and discard.
But
my
whole plant is taken over. I'm afraid if I don't take some action
soon
it
will kill my plant. Would insecticidal soap do the trick? Is there
any
way
of getting rid of these little things? Any suggestions would be
appreciated.

Thanks,
BC

Unfortunately, columbine leaf miners are not affected by insecticidal
soaps
as they reside INSIDE the leaves and are untouched by spraying. I have
yet
to see them kill a plant, though. This spring, the miners haven't been
a
problem but columbine cutworms have - pretty odd to see all these
blooming
columbines with nothing but skeletonized foliage to offset them. Just
cut
off the affected foliage - new leaves will be produced almost
immediately
and should develop past the normal life cycle of the miners.

pam - gardengal