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leeks not looking good
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 4:11 pm
by jo33
I've not had this before but the leeks on two separate beds look shredded with small holes and some rust. They started well but are now looking sad. I can get hold of some more pips and plant them elsewhere. Anyone know what might be the problem - dry July wet August? Should I dig them up? Any soil treatment? Thanks
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:10 pm
by John
Hello Jo33
The damage to your leeks could be the leek moth. The caterpillars eat into the leaves and can cause a lot of damage. Unless the problem is severe the white base of the plant will still be edible. It is a very difficult pest to deal with as the caterpillars get inside the leaves and are difficult to reach with sprays. There is often an attack in the earlier part of the year which might go unnoticed - if this is overlooked there will be a second attack about this time of year which will be much more severe. Do make sure that you have a really good clean up at the end of the season to stop the moth from overwintering.
Growing under environmesh is one way of avoiding the problem.
John