Ants aren't interested in leaf spots.
But they are interested in the honeydew (sweet sticky stuff) certain insects excrete, among them aphids and scale.

ants rarely.. if ever.. attack a plant.. let alone damage a plant...

when you notice such.. you look for things the ants milk for honeydew .. like aphids or scale ...

damage noted within a week or two of planting.. is usually related to planting ...

bugs usually wont 'find' things that fast in numbers significant to do damage ...

same with disease ...

especially if you bought quality stock.. which should come disease and bug free ...

ken

Thanks for your responses.

Well from my understanding, a raised bed with great drainage is a favorite for ants and that is what I have. They don't appear to be attacking the plants. They were chilling out on the stems of the two affected plants and appear to be leaving everything else completely alone(all the other plants). I can't find any pests like aphids or scale though, maybe in part because this is new to me.

On a second pass, I found a little green guy on the the underside of a leave. It is so small I cannot really get a picture. I suppose I better use Google and figure out what he is and how to deal with it. Any help still appreciated from all you gardeners and may your gardens be well!

Okay so I officially have ants farming aphids in my garden. I am half thrilled that I just figured it out and can attack this problem. Am I right to understand aphids/other pests usually only go after stressed plants?

Yes.

Well those pepper plants appear worse for the wear in the hot sun---leaves are dropping, etc. I can see ants but no aphids...lots of ants.. All my other pepper plants wilt during the day as well but all are otherwise healthy---but not really growing. Nor are my tomato seedlings. Ugh.

If anyone has any clues on what I should do I would really appreciate the help. I have a raised bed, plants get plenty of sun, soil is a variation of Mel's mix---compost, vermiculite, peat moss. Plants are green. Just not growing. They have been in the garden a week.

Temps here are hitting low 80s during the day but been in the 50s at night. Again, any help appreciated.

Steve