This Week’s Edition of ‘What’s That Growth?’

Following the stink bug invasion–which is not completely over, apparently, but more on that later–I find myself extra vigilant about changes in the garden. I noticed some small, hard growths on the stems of my tomato plants. The same were apparent on some, but not all, of my basil plants. Research impulses activated!

First, I thought that the growths were spittlebug (froghopper) eggs, since I have had a more-than-usual amount of those pests this year in my lawn and garden.

The two-striped spittlebug (or froghopper) common in St. Tammany. Image credit: zoysiagrass-seed.com

But the way spittlebugs lay their eggs contributes to their names. They surround their eggs with a protective foam that resembles spittle. The reason that they are also known as froghoppers is because they leap around the yard, their jumping ability proportionally exceeding that of fleas. St. Tammany residents are likely to notice spittlebugs springing from the grass as they mow the lawn.

Spittlebug eggs in foam. Image credit: oregonstate.edu

I also wondered if perhaps the growths I saw were stink bug eggs, seeing as those creatures have been on my mind, and I just presume that they have simply set up shop in my backyard. But a little research showed me that, no, what I was observing were not stink bug eggs, and I will spare everyone nightmares by omitting photos of stink bugs hatching from eggs, plotting to take over your attic space.

Ultimately, I figured out what the growths are, and they were not eggs after all. Instead, they were roots. When roots sprout from the stems of plants in that way, they are called adventitious roots.

Adventitious roots. Image credit: plantdiagnostics.umd.edu

Experienced tomato growers know that, if starting with transplants, when they first get the plants home, they should strip some of the bottom leaves and plant the transplants deeply. Tomato plants are likely to sprout more roots thanks to this planting, which will help support the plant as it grows.

I had planted my tomatoes deeply and had started my basil from seed, so since the plants are thriving and the roots are not causing damage, then I will consider them harmless hippie fringe for my garden. If anyone sees these growths on their plants and are tempted to remove them for cosmetic reasons, keep in mind that doing so can create open areas of the plant that could become susceptible to pests or disease.

Stink Bug Update: Knowing that the world clamors to know the latest events on “As the Stink Bug Turns,” after I sprayed the offenders with soapy water, yes, the bugs died. But the plants were harmed in the process. I accept the sacrifice because the stink bugs were damaging the plants and making cozy nests for themselves, but I wouldn’t recommend spraying the bugs while they are on the plants for anyone who wants to preserve the plants.

Because my priority, though, is making sure I don’t wind up with a house full of stink bugs, I let the plants take a hit. I also took down the entire back corner of blackberries, and since that was Stink Bug HQ, a prompt and soapy massacre took place. Maybe I am going crazy, but I will at least be a crazy woman free of stink bugs. Eventually.

Bird Droppings or Caterpillars?

I have a Meyer lemon tree in my backyard that I will forever love because of the nearly yearlong bounty of wonderful juice it gave me last summer. I bought lemons today for the first time in so long, and I was bitter.

Another wonderful aspect of the Meyer lemon tree is that it is a natural host for the giant swallowtail butterfly.

Giant swallowtail butterfly. Image credit: Softsolder.com

Last year, I felt like I was touched by magic when I happened to be standing near the Meyer lemon tree, and a butterfly happened by and paused for just a half-moment to lay a single egg on a leaf.

Fortunately, I’d happened to read about the caterpillars that eventually turn into swallowtails. The caterpillars have a natural defense mechanism in that they look like bird droppings.

Giant swallowtail caterpillar. Image credit: Texdr.wordpress.com

 

They also have another defense mechanism whereby when they feel threatened, red horns immediately sprout out of their heads, and they can emit a foul-smelling spray to deter predators. But that’s only half as amusing as looking like bird droppings.

Still, even with the unusual appearance, some predators must be accustomed to seeking out the (supposedly) delectable caterpillars, because even when I noticed last year that several were shacking up in my tree, one by one, they seemed to be plucked away.

A few days ago, I noticed three fairly large caterpillars on the tree, so I hope at least one of them will make it to the point where it is fluttering across my yard, delighting my children as it looks for just the right leaf to hold its egg.

 

Stink Bugs

This may seem like an absurd starting point, but stink bugs are on my mind and have been for several days, which does little to make my mind seem appealing. The brown marmorated stink bug has made its presence known in my garden, and if I did not have a friend in Maryland, where the stink bug invasion has reached epic proportions, then I might not have reacted so strongly, my worry cycle quickly shifting to warp speed at the thought of these bugs in my home in uncontrollable amounts, darting around everywhere I look.

First, I saw wee little babies on my blackberries in the back corner, where I also spied their cousins, the leaf-footed bugs.

I started researching how to keep leaf-footed bugs at bay, because I did not want them on my blueberries or tomatoes. That’s when I discovered my mistake, how I was the one at fault for any problems I would have with these insects.

It’s all my fault!

Because I wanted the blackberries to grow undisturbed, I let some of the area get weedy. And where do stink bugs and their cousins like to overwinter? In weedy areas. Where is the only place I saw them (at first)? Right in the weeds by the blackberries.

Oh, my stupid. It hurts.

Now, a few days ago, I noticed stink bugs on the tomatoes. And then, yesterday, when I was checking on my peppers, there they were, too. So mad. I was so mad.

I tried diatomaceous earth, dusting the plants in clouds of it. But that was foolhardy. DE works best for people who have issues with slugs or nematodes, soft-bodied creatures that can be hurt by the DE. It has no effect on insects with firm exoskeletons, and stink bugs, when they first started showing up in Pennsylvania after stowing away on Asian imports, come readily equipped with their own suits of armor.

I researched some strategies online for dealing with the bugs. I kept coming across ideas that mentioned dish soap, either getting the bugs into buckets of the stuff to drown or spraying them until they suffocate.

Today I bought a spray bottle.

This evening, like a matronly ninja, I went to the backyard, to the tomatoes and peppers, and The Great Stink Bug Massacre of 2013 began. I had to refill the spray bottle three times, but in the end, I discovered that (A) I had more stink bugs in my garden than I’d initially thought but thankfully, (B) the technique really worked. Gorgeous carcasses littering the base of my plants. Bonus: Some of the produce has now been thoroughly pre-washed. Bonus, Part Deux: I nearly stepped on a king snake walking back to the house and screamed so loud that he shot across the yard, though apparently not loud enough to draw my kids outside to check on me. I have learned, then, that dish soap is effective against stink bugs and that I should also avoid loudly dying in the backyard, if possible, as no one will attempt to save me.