Category: Information
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Control: Aphids – What to do?
From the experts: RHS https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=181 Non-pesticide control Where possible tolerate infestations of aphids. Aphids have many natural enemies (aphid predators), including ladybirds, hoverfly larvae, lacewing larvae and parasitic wasps. Some of these are available for biological control of aphids in greenhouses. Out of doors, aphid infestations can build up in spring before the natural enemies are active in sufficient numbers…
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Pest Profile: Aphids
From the RHS ExpertsArticle: RHS – https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=181 Common names Aphids, greenfly, blackfly, plant liceScientific name Various – many speciesPlants affected Most plants are susceptibleMain symptoms Poor and distorted growth, sticky honeydew and sooty mouldsMost active Spring to late summer on garden plants; all year round indoors What are aphids? Aphids are sap-sucking true-bugs. They range in size from 1 to 7mm…
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From the Archive: BBC – Coffee and Slugs
Take a look at this BBC archive article assessing the viability of using coffee, well caffeine, as a control for slugs, you can always rely upon the Radio 4 listener to provide just the right amount of constructive feedback. The War on Slugs – Listeners’ Emails We spoke to Dr Robert Hollingsworth about his research…
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Pest Profile: Slugs
Slugs Slugs are persistent and widespread pests which can cause havoc in the garden, eating holes in leaves, stems, flowers, tubers and bulbs. They can cause damage throughout the year on a wide range of plants, but seedlings and new growth on herbaceous plants in spring are most at risk. See the original article at https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=228 RHS…
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Article: RHS – We’re going on a slug hunt
As part of the Integrated Gastropod Management project, we were interested in seeing if different types of slugs and snails could be found feeding on the six control treatments we were testing. This is particularly important for the nematode treatment as snails are usually unaffected (they don’t go underground in the daytime as slugs do). Would…
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Article: RHS – Controlling pests and diseases without chemicals
As chemical control choices diminish and concerns for health and the natural environment increase, it’s important to know how to deal with problems. Keeping your plants healthy by good cultivation and sanitation is the best way to prevent pest and disease problems. But despite our best efforts, some diseases can blow in or the weather encourage…
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Wildlife Gardening – Natural Slug Control
Although most people think of slugs as pests, they are as necessary as the more attractive visitors to our gardens. They help to break down decaying plant matter, disperse seeds and spore and provide a very rich compost-like waste which feeds the garden. They also provide food for more welcome visitors, such as birds. While…
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From the Archive: WI take a stand on honey bees
Title of Resolution: SOS for Honey Bees Wording of Resolution: SOS for Honey Bees – Honey Bees play a vital role in the pollination of food crops and in our environment. In view of concerns about the accelerating decline in the UK honey bee population, this meeting urges HM Government to increase funding for research…
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Slug-proof plants
Slug busters Slugs may have voracious appetites but they’re fussy eaters too – and therein lies an answer to a slimy problem. The good news is that there are a selection of plants that slugs, and snails, will steer clear of. Aquilegias Astilbes Astrantias Begonias Crocosmias Euphorbias Ferns Fuchsias Grasses Hardy geraniums Hellebores Hydrangeas Japanese…
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From the Archive: Article: BBC NEWS – Is the UK facing a slug plague?
Are the slimy critters set for a population boom? This is an old article but are we facing a change in the UK wildlife population driven by climate change. Will we struggle to get blight free seed potatoes from Scotland as the soil warms? BBC NEWS | Magazine | Is the UK facing a slug…
Eaten by Slugs 