The regular downpours of June look set to continue well into July. While the frequent rain is helpful for seeding out new crops, lettuce etc, it can be problematic for tomatoes. These need some protection from heavy downpours and good support. A basic overhead cover provides “weather shielding” both from heavy downpours and from heatwave …Read More about July: Turbulent times
Posts relating to snails
Change in the weather
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
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
Invasion of the snails
The spring time is every gardener’s nightmare. All the young plants are taken outside into the garden and the slugs and snails have a feast day. As the average Brussels garden can have a community of over 1000 of these creatures, this can be a difficult time of year. Slugs and snails are basically the …Read More about Invasion of the snails