Can't figure out how to add a photo to the original post. Sorry

Hmm. Never seen that before! Could it be that your little caterpillars rolling themselves up in leaves are just heading for a post-snack snooze? Do you spray with anything?

Oh i hope that's all it is. I started fearing Bacteral Spot, but because the plant is healthy I've been hoping environmental issues.

I don't spray with anything. I've only been in this house for four years and growing for the last three. The ground was not in any shape for cultivation so I've been trying some more natural ways to amend the earth and holistic ways to deal with pests (not that I'm against more advanced methods). This year has been somewhat of an experiment for me. So the ground doesn't have any fungicide or pesticides in it.

You need some bT. Safer Caterpillar Spray is a good one. It specifically targets only caterpillars (including the dreaded hornworms) but does not bother bees or any other good bugs. We've tried the dish soap thing. Don't do it. It burns your tender growth. Almost lost a Mortgage Lifter plant doing that.

I've been looking into that the past week. I'm glad you mentioned it. I'll have to pick some up, or maybe have Amazon deliver it i suppose lol.

@ediej1209 AL Zn 7

While on the topic of pest control. The Japanese beetles recked havoc on my ruhbarb this year. I plan on taking preventive measures next year. Any thoughts or experience with that one?

Not really, sorry. They do get to my rose bush a little but I try to keep an eye out and if I can get the early 'scouts' they can't report back about a food source. I do know this ... Do not get those traps, they attract more than they kill. My son's MIL tried that a couple of years ago and lost pretty much everything 😮

Found the little guy munching on my unripe tomato. Looks like this is indeed the issue. I'll spray and eliminate this variable.

Glad you found the culprit Robert!!!

BTW I always used to grow Moneymaker because that was what we grew in England, then I realized that there are much better tasting tomatoes out there :).

Linda

It's one of a few I'm trying this year. Different sizes and tastes I'm sure. I have yet to taste the money Maker, but it's growth is nothing to laugh at, even during this tough summer.

I'll be adding even more varieties to my garden next year. What are your top three picks?

Best cherry?

Best beefsteak?

Best salad Slicer?

Best cherries: Maglia Rosa and Blush (both bullet shaped, can be grown in pots); Rosella

Best Beefsteak: Prudens Purple; Rose; Orange Strawberry

Best Slicer: Little Lucky (one parent was Brandywine, so it tastes great)

Best Saladette: Bulgarian Triumph (compact, so does well in a tomato cage)

We like:

Cherries - Galina's (yellow) & Isis Candy (pink/gold)

Beefsteak (other than EML) - Big Rainbow (yellow/red) & Big Zebra (green-when-ripe, splotched with red)

Slicer: KBX (orange) - a potato leaf version of Kellogg's Breakfast

Trying a new-to-us beefsteak this year, Pink Ponderosa. Jury's still out but hopefully we'll get enough to have an informed opinion one way or the other by the end of the season.

Fabulous! Thankyou @ediej1209 AL Zn 7 and @labradogs.

Making a list for next year 😁