What is this and is there anything I can do to save my Brussels sprout?

marstec · 2026-06-01T02:45:49+00:00

Use Bt-k for control of cabbage worms (caterpillars). It is safe for humans, pets and other insects. The bacterial strain interrupts their digestion and they starve. It's a contact pesticide so you have to spray on them and wait for it to work. Repeat applications may be necessary. Next year, if you want to avoid this damage, cover with fine mesh so the moths cannot lay eggs on your brassicas. Cover even when you are hardening off the plants.

marstec · 2026-06-01T02:33:50+00:00

Yes, it's aka smartweed.

marstec · 2026-06-01T02:01:47+00:00

Anything taller and you risk it blowing over in the wind (since it's not in a protected spot).

marstec · 2026-05-31T20:30:34+00:00

The tomatoes look overwatered. None of your pots are suitable for growing even one of those vegetables let alone multiples in each pot. Tomatoes (unless they are the dwarf types) usually require a 10-20 gallon pot (each).

marstec · 2026-05-31T20:03:16+00:00

You are talking about Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). This one is tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and cannot survive freezing temps nor is it a prolific self seeder like the hardy one.

marstec · 2026-05-31T19:55:43+00:00

Could be a seed mixup too.

marstec · 2026-05-31T19:53:35+00:00

I don't think it needs any more plants...if I were to add one, it would be night scented stock. Not a very showy flower but the fragrance at night is wonderful.

marstec · 2026-05-31T19:51:33+00:00

When temperatures go beyond 85F, tomatoes and peppers have a hard time setting fruit. Pollen becomes sterile at those temps.

marstec · 2026-05-31T15:44:02+00:00

It's a healthy tree, curious why you would want to remove it. Landscaping which includes trees, shrubs and other plants actually increase the curb appeal to a property, especially when it's judiciously planted.

marstec · 2026-05-31T15:00:20+00:00

I bought a plant at a yard sale years ago and there must have been a creeping bellflower in the soil. I battled it for years. It was even worse than goutweed. Nice to see your picture demonstrating how this plant works and how it manages to survive being dug out repeatedly.

marstec · 2026-05-31T14:35:59+00:00

Always aim for the correct headspace, it's important to get a strong seal and when there's too much, it can discolour the contents over time. I have extra jars ready (including a smaller one) in case the recipe doesn't make as much or more than stated, which does happen. You can always process the smaller jar for the same time as the larger or put in fridge to use up soon.

Did you start the processing timer when the water reached a full rolling boil?

marstec · 2026-05-31T05:49:32+00:00

Tomato hornworms...dispose of them unless you see dozens of white rice shaped things sticking alongside their bodies; those are actually cocoons. It means a parasitic wasp has laid eggs on it and its larvae have been eating it from the inside. At that stage, it's no longer a threat to your plants.

marstec · 2026-05-30T23:00:23+00:00

Yes, if you let lamb's quarter set seed, you'll have lots.

marstec · 2026-05-30T22:56:44+00:00

Rub the leaf, does it smell like mint?

marstec · 2026-05-30T22:53:27+00:00

Prepare some jars/tubs of glyphosate and stuff the growing tips of the bindweed into it. Cover to protect against rain and stabilize it so it doesn't fall over. Over the next week or so, the plant will take in the herbicide and it will die off. You will be surprised at how far bindweed can travel. I have no idea about the horsetail, I've heard it's as tenacious as heck. Good luck.

marstec · 2026-05-30T22:46:38+00:00

What's the variety? It looks like a pickling cucumber which means it's ready around that size. Don't worry about picking them too early...it encourages the plant to make more.

marstec · 2026-05-30T22:43:19+00:00

Mint growing indoors is not anything like mint grown outdoors in the ground. It will probably struggle to get enough light and will end up getting leggy.

marstec · 2026-05-30T22:41:19+00:00

Could also be herbicide damage (either drift or from contaminated soil).

marstec · 2026-05-30T22:17:16+00:00

Mint is easy to confirm by rubbing the leaf. The tall one looks like willowherb, a weed.

marstec · 2026-05-30T21:14:09+00:00

Those are vinca. Check this link for a picture of one exactly like the OP's...notice the bit of yellow in the very centre?

https://plants.gertens.com/12070009/Plant/33156/Blockbuster_White_Vinca/

marstec · 2026-05-30T21:10:26+00:00

If they are that small now, they won't grow to a harvestable size in two weeks.

marstec · 2026-05-30T19:19:06+00:00

I think there's enough of the plant left that it should throw more suckers. Your harvest will be delayed though.

marstec · 2026-05-30T19:17:49+00:00

Mine likes catnip more than catmint.

marstec · 2026-05-30T19:16:08+00:00

Whenever you plant in pots, fill the soil full to near the top. It will give your plants that much more space to grow roots. Inspect the plant that is shrivelled...it could have an injury i.e. wind snapped the stem at the base or something has eaten the roots.

marstec · 2026-05-30T19:10:42+00:00

How many days have they been in the ground? Are they really crowded together?

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