Help needed for spinach, beetroot and salad leaves!

[Youngleaves]

Hi

I am a very new gardener and I'm hoping someone can help me with a few things.

First, my beetroots look really ill and some have died off even though I have watered them every day and fed twice a week, they are in a prime position in the garden and have plenty of space. Any ideas?

My salad leaves have grown really well but have recently developed small holes. I have been told this is due to caterpillars. I've searched the leaves and can't find any.

Sadly my spinach was also growing very well but has recently developed brown spots which then turned paper thin and then to a hole.

Please help!

[Two_Sheds]

Hi,
Over-watering and over-feeding, most likely.

If you over-feed, you'll get lots of soft sappy growth which is prey to disease and pests.

Your caterpillars are probably sleeping off their feast right in the heart of the plant. Follow the trail of frass (dark green droppings)

[Hans Mum]

as TS says youre killing them with kindness.....my beets are are happily growing without any feed and dont know where you are but mine have had more than enough rain without additional watering....and i always thought salad leaves preferred no feed and a soil which is not too rich in nutrients.....some people on our site use old grow bags for that reason...am sure someone will correct this if i'm wrong

[Youngleaves]

Thanks very much for your help. Lay off the water and feed then!

Can I just check that my friend is correct. Do caterpillars cause the pin prick holes in leaves??

[Two_Sheds]

Do caterpillars cause the pin prick holes in leaves?

No. They eat big holes (although the holes will start off small, I guess). Pin pricks are likely to be flea beetle, which attacks brassicas, esp radish, in dry weather.

[Rodley]

I agree with Two Sheds. This is flea beetle. They are small (2-3mm) blackish beetles that jump when approached or sprayed. They can devastate a crop if the weather is warm/hot. I have major problems with these little beasties here in France and have had to resort to spraying with Derris (but with great care). I need to repeat every 5 days when they return.