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What is making these tracks on my Tomato plant leaves?

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How do I get rid of whatever bug is making tracks on the leaves of my Tomato plants. It looks like a very thin film of little light colored trails I thought at first it was just water stains but it appears to be trials like would be left by an insect of some kind with dirty feet. What is making these tracks on my leaves and do I need to get rid of and if so what insecticide or organic remedy will work? Should I put Dawn dish detergent on the leaves of my Tomato plants?
It actually appears to be a light discoloration more than a film..I dont think it is slugs or snails because the little trails on the leaves are too small. What else makes little trails all over my leaves?

They're called leafminers, this will help,

http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/ornamentals/leafminers.html

You don't really need to spray the plant with anything, just cut the infected leaves off.
It's very common with tomatoes, at least here in FL.
Hope this helps 🙂







Why is composting so hard? (gardening)?

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We have tons of kitchen scraps and I'm going nuts looking at everything from turning to bokashi to tumblers to holes. Does this really have to be so complicated? Then I read blogs online of failures, too much work, smell, etc. What really is the right way to do this in a smallish but not miniscule home flower/veggies organic garden?

Just pile your grass, leaves and other plant material in one place. Put a few branches around it. Don't add any meat or other items that might smell. Water whenever you feel like it.
Put fencing around it if you want. Even plant morning glories to grow over it. Just don't worry.

Starting to grow own vegetables and herbs?

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I’m beginning to grow my own vegetables and herbs, and I’m curious on where to buy the seeds from. The town I live in only has a wal-mart which sells seeds, however, I do buy organic produce and was wondering whether or not to purchase seeds at walmart. Would it matter where I get the seeds from? or not really?

thanks

if you want to buy seeds from a box store than opt for K-mart and the martha Stwart Collection-not organic but lots of heirloom varieties.

thge best way to buy seeds though, is via mail order. My all time favorite seed house is Johnny’s Selected Seeds out of Maine (http://www.johnnysseeds.com) they are the best in the business, they are a small independent, employee owned seed house that has been in business for about 30 years. The seed is on the expensive side but it is excellent quality, always. i have been using them as my main seed supplier for the past 15 years. they offer a wide variety of seeds, have heirlooms, certified organic seed and do not sell seeds owned by Monsanto.

Seed savers exchange is the best place to get heirloom seeds on the planet. it is all they do and they have one of the biggest collections of heirloom seed anywhere. they are a not for profit that should be supported

Fedco Seeds (http://www.fedcoseeds.com) is another seed house out of main that is also a small independent company that does not sell GMO seed or anything from Monsanto. they carry a lot of heirlooms and certified organic seed. the quality is not as good as either Johnny’s or SSE but they are well worth supporting

what specific nutrients(organic fertilizer) are good for growing tomato fruits(not leaves)?

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My tomato plants seem to being growing better with the leaves than fruits

You want to get some fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). A good organic source of phosphorus is bone meal and wood ashes or granite dust are good sources of potassium. You can look for an organic fertilizer at your garden center that has low N and higher P & K values.

Adding compost to the soil when planting your tomatoes will help. You can also make some compost tea and water the plants with it or spray the leaves for foliar feeding.

Visit our website for more gardening ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

How do I start a veganic(Sp?) vegetable and fruit garden at home?

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By veganic I don't mean organic. Veganic is a step up from organic. The soil is so dry and rocky, how can I enrich it without animal products? What should I plant? How much space would I need? Any tips?

Get vegetable based compost or make your own. Compost needs to cook for awhile so you may be able to do it this year depending on where you live. What should you plant? What you want to eat of course! Space depends on what you grow.

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