Mint Turning Brown With Little Holes Or Spots On Leaves

Question From: Grosse Pointe, Michigan, United States
Q: My Mint has been turning brown as though something is eating little holes in the leaves.

A: Don, I wish what ever is going after your mint would come after mine. Holes in leaves bring to mind slugs. But brown leaves sounds possibly like the 4 lined bug. They leave behind tiny brown spots that look like holes. For slugs I would use a product with iron phosphate. It's not toxic and is sold under several product names - go to English Gardens. But first take a flashlight out at night and look for the slimy little critters. They hide during the day. The four lined bug does its damage early in the season and has but one generation a year. Usually by the time I find the damage they are on the way out. That said, if the damage continues I would use a product called AzaMax that is OMRI listed and safe for use on edibles. You can find it online and at a hydroponic store. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy