Carolyn Very important when you use dishsoap. Needs to be the real cheap stuff like Octagon. The Anti bacterial and the concentrated can kill or make your plants very sick. 1/2 to 1 tbsp per gal of water is enough. Best application is early AM or in PM after the sun is off the plants. Application during the heat of the day might cause the soap to be baked onto the plants. Your "Mystery stalks" are probably sucker growth and should be trimmed. Byron