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Forum archive›Garden Problems›Pests›Whiteflies- end of lettuce?

Whiteflies- end of lettuce?

Asked by Francina 20 June 2013 2 replies in Pests

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  1. #21667

    Hello!

    We grow a variety of lettuces on a raised bed. Charles’s method of only harvesting their outer leaves has worked really well- the plants stay productive for months! However, of late we are seeing some tiny (long, thin) white specks on them… whiteflies? A few aphids here and there, too.

    Charles, does this mean it is time to take the whole heads out (which would be a shame)? Any advice you can give on how to best deal with this would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you
    Francina
    P.S. I was very glad I attended your course at Homeacres in May- truly inspiring and informative!

  2. #24151

     Hello Francina, good that the course helped, and I would keep picking. White specks may not be whitefly and aphids just wash off leaves before you eat them. Keep picking until plants rise up to flower.

    It has been good weather for aphids, a lot of dry, and watering may reduce their numbers. Compost-rich soil tends to have see less growing on plants but weather conditions are often key, I often see aphids, rarely worry about them.

  3. #24152

    How reassuring to know- I sure will keep picking!

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