I have three pots with sweet basil (for cooking) on my deck, and something
is eating all the leaves, they are fool of holes. I tried spraying
insecticidal soap every other day, but it doesn't do anything. I believe
they are Japanese beetles, so I put a bag-a-bug next to it. The bag
filled up with the beetles, but the basil leaves are still being eaten.

Someone told me it makes a difference what other plants are near them.
Just in case it makes a difference, I have tomatoes, peppers, rosemary,
mint and parsley in pots near the basil.

Any ideas?

Chris

** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

Chris wrote:
I have three pots with sweet basil (for cooking) on my deck, and something
is eating all the leaves, they are fool of holes. I tried spraying
insecticidal soap every other day, but it doesn't do anything. I believe
they are Japanese beetles, so I put a bag-a-bug next to it. The bag
filled up with the beetles, but the basil leaves are still being eaten.

Someone told me it makes a difference what other plants are near them.
Just in case it makes a difference, I have tomatoes, peppers, rosemary,
mint and parsley in pots near the basil.

Any ideas?

Chris

** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

Don't put the bug bags near the plants you want to protect as it just
brings more bugs into the area. The bags should be distanced from the
plants. I'd be spraying with an insecticide that is safe for vegetables.

Frank