Tower Garden Growers: Never Ever Do This!

Nobody responded.

Summer Heat Causes A Wildfire

For several weeks, only that one plant showed any problems.

Soon, I was happily harvesting from my Tower Garden: lettuces, bok-choy, arugula, rainbow chard, mustard greens, and basil.

And then we had a series of heat waves.

Suddenly, the speckles were showing up on other plants.

I'm convinced the heat stressed out my plants, weakened them, and made them susceptible to pests.

This is why it's extremely important to protect your plants from extreme temperatures, even if your Tower Garden is indoors. 

I tried the forum again.

Still nothing.

And then, one fateful day, I saw it: tiny webs on the rainbow chard.

I was so upset that I didn’t take a picture. However, it looked very much like this:

I pulled out the chard, spinach, and other affected plants.

I harvested all the healthy-looking greens that I could find and sauteed them with garlic and onions.

I moved other plants outdoors to avoid spreading the infestation.

I also learned a lot about spider mites.

Do You Have a Spider Mite Infestation? How to See Spider Mites

One of the things I learned was that spider mites are almost impossible to see. They’re just too tiny.

But there's a way to see them:

1. Get a white sheet of paper or cardboard and hold it under the plant.
2. Shake the leaves and stems of the plant.
3. Look closely at the paper/cardboard for very tiny spots.

You’ll know they’re spider mites, because they’ll start crawling!

Gave me the heebie jeebies, to be sure. Ew!

I also learned …

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

I did a ton of research, but in fact, the Tower Garden website has several recipes for safe, non-toxic sprays for the most common pests that affect fruits and vegetables.

The formula for a spray against small insects like spider mites as well as aphids, thrips, and whiteflies is made up of:

• 1 tablespoon horticultural grade neem oil
• 1 tablespoon horticultural grade insecticidal soap (or liquid dish soap or pure castile liquid soap)
• 1 gallon water

Mix everything in a spray bottle and shake well until everything is mixed thoroughly. Spray the tops and bottoms of leaves either before sunrise or in the late evening.

Tip: If your Tower Garden is indoors, it may be easier to remove each plant from its port and spray it in a sink. It’s a lot less messier!

This article has recipes for other pests.

I also considered using beneficial bugs. Summer Rayne Oakes, a houseplant expert I've been following, particularly recommends green lacewings. 

I did find a local supplier, but it's a bit expensive. I'm keeping it in mind as a last resort. 

Moral of the Story

My experience underscores the importance of checking on your Tower Garden plants frequently, as least every day, so you can see and address problems quickly.

Never, ever bring a seedling from outdoors or another garden into your Tower Garden. 

Not even from a seedling vendor associated with Tower Garden.

No wonder many people at the forums say the same thing.

I’ve learned my lesson.

From now on, I’ll be starting all my seeds and propagating plants myself.