Hi, I am a beginner gardener and I have two bell pepper plants and a zucchini plant growing in pots currently. They seem to be growing great so far, just have a couple problems with the leaves. On the bell pepper plant there pretty large holes in a couple of the leaves that I'm guessing is something eating them. Does anyone know what it could be from the picture? I haven't seen any bugs on the plant. For the zucchini plant, some of the leaves have gotten brown drying rings around the edges. I don't know what this is from and was curious if anyone could tell me. I have also just found a ton of gnat-looking bugs covering my zucchini plant and would like to know some home remedies to keep them away? I do not want to use any unnatural pesticides on my plants.

Thanks everyone!
Sophie

Hello Sophie &
Everybody loves peppers, that also includes a litany of insects, not so much with zucchini. Here I make it my mission to know my enemy and they would undoubtedly be aphids and squash beetles, but please understand that that would be the culprit here, I'd be reluctant to say that's what it is there as I have no idea about your area and if there is anything unique to it.

In any case I really don't think you could go wrong with some Neem Oil, it is not unnatural as you may fear, it's organic in nature, but constant or daily application will be required if it is aphids. As to the zucchini check under the leaves for roe or little tiny brownish clumps, if they're present then hit them as well with your spray -- this will have to be done on a as needed basis -- just keep checking under your plants and if you see some gross clusters of fairly good sized beetles, then it will have to be sprayed again.

Another way to control aphids without chemicals is ( lord I hope I spell this right! ) Diatomaceous Earth, there's a lot of theories on it's effectiveness, but I think it just annoys the h@#% out of them. Try it!

Good luck & Good gardening
J.R.

I second the Diatomaceous earth! What it does is puncture and dry out small insects, causing them to die. It is organic and completely safe to consume for any non-exoskeletoned organism! (ie, humans and other mammals)

Since, no sign of bug's ! Don't worry.

The small bit of damage on peppers, no concern. Just some fly-by chewer, thats likely gone.

Squash, ! Could be ! To much fertilizer, or water issue.

I hope pots, have drain holes !

Pots for squash, should be at least five gallons.

Good Day !
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