do spider mites love beans crops?

Question

My tomatoes have developed a serious red spider mite infestation. I had planned to do a cover crop of beans over the winter (I’m in Southern California) but can’t seem to find whether or not the mites would bother the beans. If so, is there any crop I can plant over the winter? If not, can I cover the cleared area and place clear plastic over it to rid the area of the little buggers?

Answer 1

If the mites are attacking the tomatoes, they will likely attack your beans. You can solarize the area (the covering of plastic you suggested) though I would leave it on until the end of spring, or you can treat the area with an organic miticide like neem oil.