Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi all,

Usually down here in the south, we get our leek crops decimated by the dreaded Leek Moth. Last year I had to cut them down almost to ground level three or four times it was so bad. I still got an acceptable crop, but not as good as I would have liked.
This year I decided to cover with debris netting tunnels. I haven't noticed any moth damage and the crop is the best that I've grown for years. The thing is though, I haven't noticed much damage on anybody elses crops either, covered or not.
So, is it just a bad year for the Leek Moth or what

Over to you learned guys and gals

Evening PJ,

I haven't noticed any Leek Moths round here this year, but so saying that, we haven't had any in previous years either.

No leek moth noted down here - loads bolted though so did a replant of the others and some little ones that I found self seeded from some I left flower in spring - seem happier in their new location so hoping the moth leaves them alone as I kept the environmesh off them to give them a bit more light as they are a bit teeny and thought it might help

Westi

oldherbaceous wrote:Evening PJ,

I haven't noticed any Leek Moths round here this year, but so saying that, we haven't had any in previous years either.

You are lucky OH - There's plenty of sign at Wrest Park in Silsoe, and I have some damage at the allotment too.

bad damage up here in lancs, but only in the last month.

farmer jon wrote:bad damage up here in lancs, but only in the last month.

That's interesting. It seems that they are late this year then, just like a lot of insects.

Last year mine were attacked in early August.

this must be the second generation , managed to escape them both last year by spraying but only managed a spray for the first emergence this year with solution X

Those of us on our site who didn't cover our leeks, have been hit rather badly,lesson for next year-cover leeks against Leek Moth!