Q.My Leaves on My Vegetable Plants in Containers Getting Eaten
I live in the South and put out container vegetables about 4 weeks ago. We have had a lot of rain lately. They look good except the leaves are being eaten a little at a time. I do not see any pests on them; however, I have a gardenia in the flower bed and when I rubbed against it, little white bugs (like fluff) flew off. . . . . . . .then settled right back and you can’t see them. The leaves on this plant also have black looking mildew on them. The tree I thought has been stunted as it does bloom but it has not grown at all in 4 years. I hope this will help you with the little bugs. And I also have Sunflowers sprouting up and leaves are being eaten on them also with no sign of the little creatures.
You may have a visiting rabbit and/or groundhog visiting at night. The insects are probably whiteflies or aphids. These articles might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/camouflage-gardening-deterring-garden-crashers-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/whitefly-control.htm
