skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Vegetable GardeningCalifornia GardeningHarvest
nancyjane_gardener

THRIP! It's killing me!

last year

I'm in my second year of this! Tomatoes, basil, most herbs and green beans seem to be doing fineish. Eggplant and some other herbs are toast! I'm thinking of getting rid of everything and solarizing all 3 beds before the sun doesn't hit the beds anymore!

Do I have to remove the top few inches of my 3 raised beds? Do I use clear or black plastic to solarize ? I've been been told both. Any other help is appreciated!

Featured Answer
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    First, I don’t think much of that article.

    Second, thrips are everywhere, even if you don‘t see them damaging plants. And, they can fly great distances.

    Because of their lifestyle of pupating in soil, they can be very challenging to totally eradicate, so control is what one tries to achieve.

    Systemics kill both adults and pupae, and make the whole plant toxic to future insects that fly in. The concept bothers a lot of people. In the outdoor setting we don’t want to use them where it might affect bees and other pollenators. Even so, it may be warranted in some circumstances.

    Comments (6)

    Related Stories
    MOST POPULARThe Perfect Houseplant for People Who Kill Houseplants
    By creative jewish mom.com
    If you can fill a jar with water, you can keep golden pothos vine happy — and it will pay you back with cleaner air and a greener home
    Full Story
    74
    HOUSEPLANTS8 Houseplants You Can't Kill
    By J. Peterson Garden Design
    They're forgiving and let you forget. Houseplants don't get any easier than this
    Full Story
    44
    COLORWhen Color Could Kill: Stories From the History of Paint
    By Victoria Finlay
    Delve into paint's storied past — what you learn about its history and modern incarnations may surprise you
    Full Story
    19
    FUN HOUZZHouzz Quiz: How to Find Your ‘Me Time’ Place
    By Houzz
    Looking for the best place in your house to soothe away your stress? We’re here to help
    Full Story
    157
    GARDENING GUIDESHerb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Delicious Mint
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    Pull out a pot for this one. Mint's spreading habit and hard-to-kill nature can be a blessing — if you're properly prepared
    Full Story
    29
    RUSTIC STYLE12 Must-Haves for an Instantly Rustic Home
    By Nina Montenegro
    No need to wait around for just the right hand-me-downs and woodsy finds — with these pieces, you can fake it till you make it
    Full Story
    46
    STORAGE9 Ways to Avoid a ‘Floordrobe’ in Your Bedroom
    By Jo Simmons
    Repeat after me: The floor isn’t storage space for clothes! Tackle the ‘floordrobe’ effect with these smart tips
    Full Story
    125
    The Indoor Gardener: Crazy for Cacti
    By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting
    Surprisingly versatile and blessedly hard to kill, cacti are showing up in homes far from the middle of nowhere
    Full Story
    10
    Houzz Interview: Rebekah's Weekend Farmhouse Retreat
    By Becky Harris
    Full Story
    60
    PETSSo You're Thinking About Getting a Dog
    By Alison Hodgson
    Prepare yourself for the realities of training, cost and the impact that lovable pooch might have on your house
    Full Story
    490
    Sponsored
    Peabody Landscape Group
    Average rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
    Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting
    More Discussions
    Garden Tales >>> July 2026
    20
    Spaghetti squash fruits, dark green?
    2
    Bush spaghetti squash seeds?
    1
    What is this tiny 1/16 inch insect? What is safe to control them?
    6
    Charentais versus Ambrosia
    8