Garden issue - Ask Extension
My chard and beet greens are covered with these spots. Any idea what it might be and how to treat it? Thank you
Knowledgebase
Garden issue #875610
Asked July 02, 2024, 9:24 AM EDT
My chard and beet greens are covered with these spots. Any idea what it might be and how to treat it? Thank you
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
There are a few things that could cause damage like this but it is most likely insect damage. You can send a portion of the plant to the University of Delaware Plant Diagnostics Clinic and they might be able to determine what is affecting the plants - please read the instructions for submitting samples here: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/plant-diagnostic-clinic/
Please make sure you have the sample securely wrapped in a Ziploc bag and that you fill out the form on the site.
Additional information can be found here for Integrated Pest Management (IPM): https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/pest-management/
You can also try planting companion plants - different plants can act as a deterrent and lure insects/bugs away from the vegetable plants in order to limit or eliminate the damage. There are many reference materials available online for Companion Planting - two very excellent books by Louise Riotte are "Tomatoes Love Carrots" and "Roses Love Garlic."
Specific companion crops for chard and beet greens are:
Onion - they can help repel pests like aphids, borers, mites, slugs, cutworms, and maggots that can affect chard
Marigolds - Their scent can repel garden pests and nematodes in the soil that can harm chard
Chamomile - this is a great plant to keep with chard because of its aphid-repelling abilities. Its strong scent will be enjoyable, but it makes it harder for aphids to find the plants they’re looking for, which can help reduce the overall population
Nasturtiums - can attract aphids away from your chard plants.
Catnip - its strong scent is a favorite of cats, but it isn't universally beloved. Aphids, mice, and flea beetles can't tolerate its odor, which is a plus for beets, which would otherwise fall victim to these pests. Catnip also blooms from spring to fall, attracting pollinators.
Those are just a few companions that you could use. The books I referenced above will give you more suggestions.
I hope this will help!
Good Luck and HAPPY GARDENING!
Regards,
J.W. Wistermayer
UD NCC Master Gardener
There are a few things that could cause damage like this but it is most likely insect damage. You can send a portion of the plant to the University of Delaware Plant Diagnostics Clinic and they might be able to determine what is affecting the plants - please read the instructions for submitting samples here: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/plant-diagnostic-clinic/
Please make sure you have the sample securely wrapped in a Ziploc bag and that you fill out the form on the site.
Additional information can be found here for Integrated Pest Management (IPM): https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/sustainable-production/pest-management/
You can also try planting companion plants - different plants can act as a deterrent and lure insects/bugs away from the vegetable plants in order to limit or eliminate the damage. There are many reference materials available online for Companion Planting - two very excellent books by Louise Riotte are "Tomatoes Love Carrots" and "Roses Love Garlic."
Specific companion crops for chard and beet greens are:
Onion - they can help repel pests like aphids, borers, mites, slugs, cutworms, and maggots that can affect chard
Marigolds - Their scent can repel garden pests and nematodes in the soil that can harm chard
Chamomile - this is a great plant to keep with chard because of its aphid-repelling abilities. Its strong scent will be enjoyable, but it makes it harder for aphids to find the plants they’re looking for, which can help reduce the overall population
Nasturtiums - can attract aphids away from your chard plants.
Catnip - its strong scent is a favorite of cats, but it isn't universally beloved. Aphids, mice, and flea beetles can't tolerate its odor, which is a plus for beets, which would otherwise fall victim to these pests. Catnip also blooms from spring to fall, attracting pollinators.
Those are just a few companions that you could use. The books I referenced above will give you more suggestions.
I hope this will help!
Good Luck and HAPPY GARDENING!
Regards,
J.W. Wistermayer
UD NCC Master Gardener
