Rust spot is my best guess :(

8 years ago

Cucumber plants developed this uglyness in the 5 days i went away. they were overhead (only option) watered daily (by mistake) at 5:50 am for 60 minutes (usually set for every three days if no rain) + 1 day or rain,

All 8 plantings are affected similarly. New plants from seed are starting to sprout.

Yes, I planted the cukes in the same spot as last year. that cannot be changed this season. The soil was heavily amended and I have an amazing compost tea that I sprayed.

My googling says, these guys are toast, Also that is should use neem oil and the compost tea to prevent spread. And clean ALL garden tools with light bleach solution. Is this correct?

Next can I continue with a new round of seeds and expect success? or is it more like pray?

Thanks

Featured Answer

digdirt2

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

If they were mine I sure would not call them "toast". Looks like some average environmental damage (sun/spray burn spots and a bit of slug activity) to me. The new growth leaves, while a bit anemic yellow around the edges, appears generally healthy.

Ultimately it is your choice to pull them or not but I see no reason to worry about replanting there if you choose to pull these. Keep in mind that improperly diluted compost tea can damage leaves.

Dave

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Comments (6)

regaldozer
Original Author
8 years ago
thank you. i have some seriously black compost tea. may I ask what is proper dilution? and what do you think about neem oil? or is that over kill?
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digdirt2
8 years ago
I think I answered you question about the compost tea on the other thread. Toss it. The proper dilution for any compost tea is "dilute to the color of weak iced tea". Neem oil has its uses in the garden as both a mild fungicide and mild pesticide but it doesn't significantly address any of the issues in your photos.

The plants need to be fed. You don't mention what nutrient sources you are using but they need a balanced fertilizer of some kind, something that is readily available for the plants to use. And unless you live in the high desert, daily watering is over-kill. Cukes, once they set fruit, need consistent soil moisture levels but even every 3 days can be drowning them if the plants don't need water. Learn to water by the soil and the plant's needs and not by some artificial schedule.

Dave
regaldozer
Original Author
8 years ago
thanks dave. so I cut off all the ugly looking stuff. and did a light spray of neem. things are looking up. will send a picture later....

as for watering, if you don't mind, is the finger one inch deep method a good gauge? any suggestions are so greatly appreciated!
digdirt2
8 years ago
The finger test works great but you have to go deeper than 1". It is the moisture at the root level that counts so shoot for full finger depth. Meanwhile, have you fed them? They need some fertilizer.

Dave
regaldozer
Original Author
8 years ago
nope, will feed with the 3.4.5 tonight and water in the AM. by feed. do I side dress the mounds or put directly on the mounds just not on the plants?

thanks again. so much