Diagnosing Sudden Leaf Spots and Yellowing in a Diverse Raised Bed Garden

Multiple crops (okra, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant) showing different symptoms simultaneously—yellowing, brown spots, white spots, curling, wilting—suggests systemic issues, not isolated pests. Immediate triage:

Step 1: Soil Test NOW

• Excess nitrogen? Nutrient imbalance? pH shift?
• New bed + multiple amendments = high risk of "too rich" soil.

Step 2: Scout for Pests

• Flea beetles: Tiny shot-holes in leaves. Organic control: Rotenone (apply ONLY at night to spare beneficials; UV degrades it fast).
• Fungal diseases: Spots with halos, concentric rings, fuzzy growth. Most likely given symptom spread.

Step 3: Apply Broad-Spectrum Organic Fungicide

• Copper-based (Bordeaux mix) or Bacillus subtilis (Serenade) or potassium bicarbonate (GreenCure).
• Spray immediately, covering all leaf surfaces.
• Repeat per label (usually 7–10 days).

Step 4: Review Cultural Practices

• Water at base, not overhead.
• Mulch to prevent soil splash.
• Space for airflow.
• Remove severely affected leaves.

Apple Seedling Clue

Same symptoms on indoor apple seedling = shared soil or airborne pathogen. Confirms systemic/environmental cause.

Act fast. Test soil, spray fungicide, adjust watering. Most raised bed crises are fixable if caught early.