After 2 weeks of heatwave conditions the weather has now plunged into rain and overcast conditions and looks set to stay that way for next 2 weeks. While this is good for direct sowing lettuce seed in beds and containers, it is not so good for planting out young plants. Those already out will take …Read More about Change in the weather
Posts relating to slugs
Starting city beans
Beans are an ideal crop for growing in cities. While many think of beans growing in wigwams in open ground, in cities they work well growing on walls and stairwells or on netting over spaces. Climbing beans and bush varieties also work well growing in containers on balconies or rooftops. With many varieties to choose …Read More about Starting city beans
Living with Spanish slugs
The Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) is here to stay. While it has only been a few years since the Spanish slug took over from our local snails as the main garden problem, it beholds upon the gardener to learn how to live with these creatures. Each year is a new learning opportunity for understanding these …Read More about Living with Spanish slugs
Slug prevention time
With the end of the gardening season it is time to start preparing for next year. This is the time to clear away old plant material and containers and wash down pathways with a mild detergent solution. This is also the most important time for addressing snail and slug problems in the garden. Slugs and …Read More about Slug prevention time
Meet the Spanish slug
Meet Arion vulgaris, the Spanish slug, considered among the 100 worst alien species in Europe. First identified in Belgium in 1973, recent mild winters and wet summers have caused an explosion in their numbers. With the rain this year the gardens in Brussels are overrun with Spanish slugs. While most gardeners can accept a level …Read More about Meet the Spanish slug
Slugs in May
This month has been exceptional for slugs and snails. With the milder winter and now the very wet spring, the slug population has gone through the roof. Every gardener’s nightmare has been realised, the slugs are eating faster than plants can be planted. The weather conditions and the ample supply of fresh young plants in …Read More about Slugs in May