Possible Leek Moth Deterrent.
Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:11 pm
On our allotment site, we have been plagued by leek moth once again this year. Some people just gave up and ditched the plants, others, like myself, cut the leeks down to healthy growth and let them start again. After cutting mine down 4 times I have now got some reasonably decent leeks growing. They won't be as large as normal, but better than nothing.
However, one of the old boys ( he's a bit older than me
) decided to give his a sprinkle with comfrey tea every few days.
Out of his approx 50 leeks, only a few got attacked, and those only minimally. He cut back the attacked ones and they have re-grown healthily again.
All of his leeks now are a rich green and very healthy looking, far different to any others on the site.
Perhaps the smell of the comfrey tea put the moth off the scent of the leeks, or perhaps the moth caterpillar couldn't stand the taste, but something has certainly made a difference.
Might be worth a try next year
However, one of the old boys ( he's a bit older than me
) decided to give his a sprinkle with comfrey tea every few days. Out of his approx 50 leeks, only a few got attacked, and those only minimally. He cut back the attacked ones and they have re-grown healthily again.
All of his leeks now are a rich green and very healthy looking, far different to any others on the site.
Perhaps the smell of the comfrey tea put the moth off the scent of the leeks, or perhaps the moth caterpillar couldn't stand the taste, but something has certainly made a difference.
Might be worth a try next year