skip to main content

Northwestern Gardening

Bugs eating the basil

14 years ago

I have now sewn my basil twice in a two-foot high garden box, but as soon as the seeds germinate and the plants are about one inch tall they disappear over night. Gardeners here tell me the "potato bugs" are eating them. What are they and how can I get rid of them? Thank you.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

morz8 - Washington Coast
14 years ago
Sow bug, pill bug, as kids we called them potato bugs but I don't remember why.

The best way to find out what is damaging your seedlings is to go out at night and look for yourself, then you aren't guessing at what to control. Take a flashlight, make your first trip right about dusk - you may have to go more than once.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sow bug (sometimes aka potato bug)
leena1947
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, Morz8, for your advice. Thank you also for the link which is very helpful.
Related Professionals
Vernon Hills Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Arden-Arcade Landscape Contractors · Bethel Park Landscape Contractors · Fort Mill Landscape Contractors · Fuquay-Varina Landscape Contractors · Gresham Landscape Contractors · Newnan Landscape Contractors · Oklahoma City Landscape Contractors · Brea Fence Contractors · Canby Fence Contractors · Centereach Fence Contractors · Fountain Fence Contractors · North Miami Beach Fence Contractors · Piedmont Fence Contractors · Yorba Linda Fence Contractors

Related Stories

SUMMER GARDENING How to Grow Basil

By Marianne Lipanovich

Bright color, quick growth and endless uses for cooking make this summer annual a winner in the garden or a pot

EVENTS Enjoy Plantings, Eat Bugs and Learn at the Australian Garden Show

By Tiffany Carboni

Indulge your senses at this four-day celebration of gardening, food and more in Sydney — and don't forget to try the crickets

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: Banish the Bugs

By Becky Harris

Don't let insects be the bane of your sweet tea and swing time. These screening and product ideas will help keep bugs at bay on the porch

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Breezy and Bug-Free Modern Porches

Screening keeps pests out of these diverse porches across the U.S., while thoughtful designs keep them visually appealing

EARTH DAY How to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs

By Annie Thornton

Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens

DIY PROJECTS 12 Signs You've Caught the DIY Bug

By Nina Montenegro

Been making inventive things from scratch? Repurposing salvaged pieces creatively? It may be more serious than you think

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Guest Picks: Outdoor Eating Essentials

By Chris Arpante

Food armor and other fun finds will protect your edibles from bugs and help you entertain outdoors with ease

KITCHEN DESIGN 16 Scrumptious Eat-In Kitchens and What They Want You to Serve

By Becky Harris

Whether apple-pie cheerful or champagne sophisticated, these eat-in kitchens offer ideas to salivate over

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES Great Lakes Gardener's June Checklist

By Barbara Pintozzi

Hear the berries beckoning? Pluck them while enjoying the wealth of garden blossoms and maybe kicking out a few bugs this month

0

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Arctic blast - NW Edition

27

Helleborus 'Garnet Frills'

4

My favorite plant in my garden, right now.

12

Time for Winter to Go!

5

My favorite plant, Easter 2024

4