How to stop chilli and basil (Tulasi) plants being eaten by insects?

[prasanna_k]

Hi team,

Couple of weeks, I planted the holy basil (Tulasi) and a chilli plant in separate pots. While doing a check up, I saw the chilli plant being chewed up and holes in the leaves of the Tulasi. Asking ChatGPT told me that the chilli might be attacked by moth lava in the soil just below the mulch. The tulasi's leaves were probably being attacked by some caterpillars. ChatGPT also suggested creating a barrier using cardboard (for now) and also applying neem oil to the tulasi plant. I'm reaching out to the team here to see if there's anything else I can do?

Thank you!!

Chilli Plant images:

Tulasi Plant:

[JacobZ]

Hi @prasanna_k,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

It sounds like you’ve already identified the most likely culprits, caterpillars or other leaf-chewing insects and the solutions that were provided seem good.

You could also try gently scraping back the mulch around your chilli to remove any grubs by hand or sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the base as a deterrent. 

On the Tulasi, keep checking for caterpillars or eggs on the undersides of leaves and remove them if you spot them. 

A simple homemade chilli–garlic spray (made by simmering a few chillies and garlic cloves in water, straining, then adding a few drops of mild soap) can also be sprayed directly on leaves as a natural deterrent. Used in rotation with neem oil, this should help reduce damage while keeping your plants healthy.

Allow me to tag our knowledgeable gardeners @Noelle, @robchin and @mashthyme to see if they have any tips.

Jacob

[robchin]

Hi @prasanna_k 

Great to see you having a go at vegetable and herb gardening. First thing to say is that in pots it will always be a little bit harder than growing in the ground. The mulch will help though. 

In relation to the chilli plant - it seems that the top has been broken off it and that will be a set-back for that plant. Remember the weather is still relatively cool in most parts of Australia and we shouldn't expect rapid growth just yet. 

As per @JacobZ comments - keep going with what you're doing. A few small holes in leaves is not going to make a big difference in the longer term. 

Be a little bit careful about getting your advice from a ChatBot that can't see the whole story. 

Good luck.