I suppose it is possible that spider mites came from the soil but it would be a very unusual occurance. Far more likely is that they were already in the house and that is a common. Especially so if other plants are already in the house growing or we bring them in on our clothes from outside. But the damage I can see in the pics is classic for both mites and/aphids so now that you can treat for them the problem should be resolved. Just a guess as my romaine is already bolting down here, but I would think romaine could already be planted outside in your location since it is quite cold tolerant, much more than mites are. Dave

Yeah didn't know that when I bought them on impulse. Saw 'em at Home Depot and was like, "Yeah, I'd like some of those." Been working down the row, planting the tomatoes, peppers, etc. Doesn't help that everything is clay! (See pic: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tomato/msg061246098308.html?15 ). I've just been winging this whole thing. I'm only planting one. Got a mound 4in high and about 3ft wide with a lot of manure worked in and about 2 shovel-fulls of Miracle Gro garden soil. I've read variously to fertilize because they are heavy feeders and others that say don't fertilize a lot if at all (I forget why not), so I'm taking a middle road (I know that's a logical fallacy, the middle road is not necessarily the truth, but it seems like a good compromise is this case). Wondering if I should peel away as much of the peat pot as I can (after soaking it ofc) since peat is very acidic; I dunno about peat pots though. The last tomato I planted though had a lot of roots growing through the peat pot, guessing it probably true for these guys.

toffee - Well lettuce is a cool season crop but it does need sunlight, perhaps more than the north side of your house is going to provide. I would say that given you already have your beds there to try it out this year and take notes on how it does. I would also keep notes on how many hours of sunlight it gets in that area during your growing months. As far as your beds go, stick your hand down in to it and see if it feels warm or hot. Perhaps it will be okay to go ahead and plant in to it if it's not really warm or hot. Worse case you could go ahead with your plans and even if it fails you'll know what you face next year. You can use it as a learning experience. I don't know where you live, (you don't say), but in zone (9) you may be able to grow all year. I know I do here in zone (10). Greg Southern Nevada

Thank you. I just made some garlic onion spray and will give that a try.