Protecting crops

[mysteryduck]

New member here! I hope I'm posting in the right place..

We're moving house next week and for the very first time, I'll have a garden. It's quite small but I hope to grow some veg on it. I have never gardened before... But I've bought some potato planters, troughs, and bags to put soil in, as well as a mini cloche tunnel with a plastic cover and a net.

As soon as this snow melts I'm hoping to get started! But before I do...

1. Do I need to keep all my plants -- pots, troughs, and bags -- under the net/plastic at all times? (to protect against insect attacks)
2. If I grow broccoli in a pot, do I need to put a collar on it? (to protect against attacks to the root)
3. Do I need to buy some fleece? (to protect against future frosts)
4. Should I just relax and take action when necessary? (the internet has led me to believe danger is everywhere!)

Thank you all for listening!

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome mysteryduck from a mystery chicken.

I'd stick with option 4 for now - there can be too much information out there sometimes!
Decide what crops you want to grow and we'll give you various opinions on how best to do it! Its still early to be planting much outside so you have plenty of time to move in and get a feel for your space. It'll be fun

[Martin H]

Hi and welcome!

Don't stress too much for the first season or two. If you grow things in the season that they like to grow, they seem to be happy to get on with it without too much interference.

It takes a while for pests and diseases to find your crops, so you'll probably get away with it for a while. Just keep an eye open (option 4) so you can take early action if necessary.

If you're growing in pots you can usually deal with insects as and when you see them, like squishing butterfly eggs or picking off caterpillars to feed the sparrows with.

Good luck, take pictures and don't be a stranger!

[mysteryduck]

Hi and welcome mysteryduck from a mystery chicken.

I'd stick with option 4 for now - there can be too much information out there sometimes!
Decide what crops you want to grow and we'll give you various opinions on how best to do it! Its still early to be planting much outside so you have plenty of time to move in and get a feel for your space. It'll be fun

Hi veggiechicken! Thanks for the reply I have ordered all of the seeds.. carrot, broccoli, runner beans, french beans, mange tout, kale, pak choi, red onion, spring onion, mint, herbs, quinoa, popcorn, sweetcorn, inca berries, cucamelon, leaf salads, chard, and brussel sprouts.

Might have over done it slightly..

[veggiechicken]

You can never have too many seeds .

[mysteryduck]

Hi and welcome!

Don't stress too much for the first season or two. If you grow things in the season that they like to grow, they seem to be happy to get on with it without too much interference.

It takes a while for pests and diseases to find your crops, so you'll probably get away with it for a while. Just keep an eye open (option 4) so you can take early action if necessary.

If you're growing in pots you can usually deal with insects as and when you see them, like squishing butterfly eggs or picking off caterpillars to feed the sparrows with.

Good luck, take pictures and don't be a stranger!

Thanks Martin! Glad to know I'm (relatively) safe for a couple of seasons! Can't wait to get started!!!

[Baldy]

Option 4 - take it easy - its meant to be fun remember...

welcome along....

[nickdub]

Generally I agree with the "take it easy" recommendations, but there are a few predictable problems which always come round, unless you take some action to avoid them.

To give a couple of examples, any small green plants eg seedlings, are prone to damage from slugs/snails - one way to avoid this is to grow your small plants on in sterile containers until they are big enough to have a fighting chance. Another would be blight on tomatoes, this comes around every summer and the easiest way to protect your plants, is to keep their foliage dry by growing them under some sort of cover.

Anyway enjoy your gardening and I'm sure if you post on here from time to time with an updates of what you are doing, someone will come along with relevant advice.

[mysteryduck]

Generally I agree with the "take it easy" recommendations, but there are a few predictable problems which always come round, unless you take some action to avoid them.

To give a couple of examples, any small green plants eg seedlings, are prone to damage from slugs/snails - one way to avoid this is to grow your small plants on in sterile containers until they are big enough to have a fighting chance. Another would be blight on tomatoes, this comes around every summer and the easiest way to protect your plants, is to keep their foliage dry by growing them under some sort of cover.

Anyway enjoy your gardening and I'm sure if you post on here from time to time with an updates of what you are doing, someone will come along with relevant advice.

Thanks for the tip! I've read about blight and outdoor tomatoes. It scared me off ordering any. But I might give it a go with a few more tips like that!

[Bren In Pots]

Thanks for the tip! I've read about blight and outdoor tomatoes. It scared me off ordering any. But I might give it a go with a few more tips like that!

You could always grow a couple of toms in doors on a sunny window sill mine was still producing toms until the middle of January.

[Greenleaves]

Another one for option 4....you will learn what affects what with time and you can the protect accordingly

[mysteryduck]

You could always grow a couple of toms in doors on a sunny window sill mine was still producing toms until the middle of January.

I think this may be the way to go! Was reading more about blight last night and it sounds terrifying! (assuming they are safe from blight indoors?)

[mysteryduck]

Another one for option 4....you will learn what affects what with time and you can the protect accordingly

Sounds like option 4 is the way to go Thank you all for the feedback. You have a great wee forum here!

Going to order some little toms with my hardy insect eating plants (those aphids won�t stand a chance!). Can�t wait to get started!!!

[Nicos]

The spores are mostly wind borne so there is still a very low chance of spores getting to the plants.
Using tap water also lowers the risk

[Bex2012]

Blight also depends on the area you are in. My allotment toms always end up with blight, but the ones at home 1/4 mile away (if that) never do. I think its because theres no one growing stuff near me at home.