Kitchen Garden Forum

Couldn't understand why my first 2 sowings didn't show even though it's been so warm. Removed the fleece yet again today and discovered an ants nest. Now I know why. Have now sown with ant powder along the drill. See if that does the trick.

Beryl.

Dear Beryl, if it's not one thing it's another, good job we are made of strong stuff....

It gets more of a challenge each year OH. That's why we do it isn't it!!!!

Beryl.

Sprinkle a few slug pellets along the rows as well. Emerging carrot seedlings seem to be one of Mr Slug's (many) favourite foods.

John

Yes, John that goes without saying but thanks for reminding me.

Beryl.

Hi Beryl,
As John has put the timely reminder about the use of slug pellets along the row of sown Carrots.
I learned my lesson to my detriment many years ago when I was foolish enough to be strictly organic.
I noticed one evening that the two 30ft rows of Carrots sown had appeared with a fantastic strike rate and going back the following morning just in time to see a hoard of keeled slugs eating the last few.
What I cannot explain is why I remained organic for about another ten years.
Now this is an example where chemicals are very seriously needed. We now have slug pellets with an organic accreditation but they are a chemical never the less.
JB.

Hi JB

I can't speak for those that grow in their own gardens, having only a small patio area and my greenhouse but on the lottie I really couldn't do without slug pellets. I don't like the word 'organic' and prefer to use what I call 'good gardening practices'.

Beryl.

Beryl, I so agree with you about good gardening practises, rather than using the term organic. Organic now seems inextricably tied with certification and rules and the need to protect us in commercial situations. Although I have not used chemicals in decades, and for ten years in my present garden when I wanted to send some seeds to riverford for them to try, they could not accept them because they were not certified organic. It seems we have to be regulated in everything we do these days!

I have to agree with the last few posts and I like the term good gardening practice. I could never be 'organic' in the sense that the Soil Association defines it and it doesn't bother me one little bit. My garden rarely sees 'chemical' fertilizers and pesticides but it does see them occasionally because I'd rather have a crop than starve. I know a couple of local farmers who tried organic and came out of it for a variety of reasons. They did learn from the experience that excessive reliance on 'chemicals' was not always a good thing. I'd call that good agricultural practice.

Hear hear, Solway. I know it is a very emotive subject and one that has been well discussed here on TKG but I agree with you entirely and couldn't have put it better myself.

Now can you tell me how to teach my carrot seeds to swim.

Beryl.

LOL Beryl - you need an above ground swimming pool not a sunken one !

I just lifted some black plastic I had down over winter and saw some distinctive folliage, a little pale but OK . And I found some absolutely perfect baby carrots left over in the plot from last year absolutely untouched by the slugs and snails that also spent the winter under the plastic.

They are a bit too tiny to eat just yet but I have left them where they are, although it is essentially a path this year, to see how they go - no doubt they will now succumb to everything! Can't fathom out how come light was not a factor in their growth though - maybe an experiment next year as well.

Westi

If they're last years carrots they'll go to seed.

Oh Peter - ruined my hopes there! Better eat them as little ones then!

Westi

Pretty in flower.

Parsnips are amazing in their second, seeding, year. Beware the sap though, chemical warfare blisters are possible.