The Sustainable Garden
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Plants Looking a Little Shabby?
Meet the Tiny Troublemaker: Spider Mites
It's been one hot, dry summer, and while many of us are searching for shade and a cold drink, spider mites are having the time of their lives.
These tiny pests thrive in hot, dusty conditions and can quickly turn healthy plants into tired-looking ones.
What Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites aren't insects—they're tiny relatives of spiders, so small you can barely see them. They gather on the undersides of leaves, piercing plant cells and sucking out the juices.
If your plants have:
🍃 Tiny yellow or white speckles on the leaves
🍂 Leaves that look dull, bronzed, or dry
🕸️ Fine webbing between stems and leaves
...you may have spider mites paying a visit.
The good news? You don't have to reach for harsh chemicals.
Three Natural Ways to Send Spider Mites Packing
💦 1. Give Your Plants a Shower
Spider mites dislike moisture. A strong spray of water—especially on the undersides of leaves—can knock many of them off the plant. Repeat every few days during hot weather.
🫧 2. Use a Simple Soapy Spray
Mix a few drops of mild liquid soap in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray both sides of the leaves, then rinse after a few hours if needed. Always test a small area first to make sure your plant is happy with the treatment.
🐞 3. Invite Nature's Pest Patrol
Lady beetles, lacewings, and predatory mites love dining on spider mites. Planting pollinator-friendly flowers and avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides helps these beneficial insects move in and do the work for you.
Garden Tip 🌿
Healthy, well-watered plants are much better at resisting spider mite damage. During hot weather, give plants a deep drink, reduce dust with an occasional rinse, and keep an eye on the undersides of leaves where these tiny pests like to hide.
A little attention today can save a lot of frustration tomorrow.
*Woodstuff Landscape Supply
955 S 1950 W Springville Utah 84663
(801) 489-4777
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August Tips & Checklist
Consider planting cover crops to provide “green manure” to the garden.
Collect and store seeds from your garden.
Learn about how and when to harvest watermelon and cantaloupe.
Harvest potatoes as soon as tubers begin forming.
Store potatoes, garlic, and onions in a cool/dry location (32-40°F) away from apples.
Plant trees and shrubs as the weather becomes cooler.
Go hiking in the hills to enjoy autumn colors.
Divide crowded, spring-blooming perennials.
Consider composting fall leaves.
Check pears for ripeness once the fruit twists off the tree easily and the seeds are dark colored, then allow them to finish ripening off the tree.
Apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer early in September to provide long-lasting results throughout the fall.
Remember that as temperatures cool, turfgrass requires minimal irrigation each week. See irrigation needs in your area.
Plant new lawns or repair insect/diseased areas with grass seed, allowing 4-6 weeks for establishment before heavy frosts.
Aerate compacted sites with a hollow core aerator when turfgrass is actively growing (September to October).
Pests and Problems:
Control raspberry crown borer using a root drench during late summer or early fall.
Learn about diseases and problems in apples and how to manage them.
Control rust mites in apple and pear trees after harvesting fruit and before leaf drop.
Watch for boxelder bugs congregating on sunny surfaces during the fall months.
Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects.
Subscribe to the Utah Pests IPM Advisories for timely tips on controlling yard and garden pests.
The Sustainable Garden Newsletter is provided by Bloom Gardens
