Dismall 2008, spider mites won!!

[BYOHB]

Well, my first year attempting to grow hops in Fresno, CA ended mostly in failure!
Towards the end, the Spider Mites won!!

I planted one ryzome each of Goldings, Mt Hood, Sterling, and Cluster.

The Goldings died quick, one small sprout and then bye bye... Too hot I think...
The other three all developed one good bine. The Sterling was a bit thin, but did finally develop 4-5 small cones about 1/2" before the spider mites won.
The Mt.Hood and Cluster had a bit more shade and grew up the twine nice, to the eve and then some... They even started showing small 1/4" cones (which quickly died)

By the time they reached the eve of the roof, the Spider mites appeared, and after spraying 3-4 times I lost! I sprayed Dursban, before the cones showed up. Some organics after that, and even Maliathyon towards the end, but with no luck!! I also sprayed the vines with water several times to try to knock them off... dirty little &^!%^#%&^!#%$!!

So now I am crying in my Red Ale... And looking to order from Freshops!

I assume the root stock is still good, and will come back stronger next year!?
Any suggestions for next year, to battle the Spider Mites??

[randyhall]

I've heard good things about using spider mite predators. The following link was toward the top of googling "spider mite predator".

http://www.naturescontrol.com/mite.html

[straight cash homey]

i know this guy named dale gribble, he can get rid of those mites for you. he also goes by the name rusty shackleford.

[ApresSkiBrewer]

I've heard good things about using spider mite predators. The following link was toward the top of googling "spider mite predator".

http://www.naturescontrol.com/mite.html

Those are pricey little fuckers! (the predators, that is).

[Mylo]

I've heard good things about using spider mite predators. The following link was toward the top of googling "spider mite predator".

http://www.naturescontrol.com/mite.html

Those are pricey little fuckers! (the predators, that is).

Don't forget to include the cost of the predator's predators.... and the predators's predator's predators. And the cost of new pants after you shit yourself after you look at the bill for all that shit.


Mylo

[RJH311]

i know this guy named dale gribble, he can get rid of those mites for you. he also goes by the name rusty shackleford.

HAHA... I dont think anybody caught that, but i'm right there with ya. hilarious and appreciated.

[stout_fan]

Well My Cascades went OK, The Hallertau got hammered by Aphids.
Any leaf you picked up had 4 to 6 on the underside suckin' the life out of the plant.
Started doing some research.
Found the natural predator is Lady bug.
Bought a container at local garden store.
Refriged till past sunset.
Sprayed bines with water.
Donned gloved
Popped lid, and stood back.
Crawled over the bine and et them aphids.
.
.
.
.
Then thay all flew away.
Aphid population was zero, alas so were my $15 worth of Lady Bugs.

Suggested to plant Dill and Some other spice to attract Lady Bugs.
Maybe next year.


Timed drip watering system has helped hop growth tremendously BTW.