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  • Pests ...?!

    Hey all !
    Well I am growing a few things like Rocket Mustard etc
    and I noticed lots of ants and some beetle like critters on the patch,
    The rocket etc is only seedlings and a few things haven't germinated yet ..
    Is it causing any harm to my vegetable patch?!
    If so how can i stop them , I really can't afford to go and spalsh out on something big..
    Last edited by rst; 08-08-2010, 08:21 PM.

  • #2
    I think you may find the flea beetle is one of the culprits in your case, rst - they absolutely love rocket. My rocket is full of holes - but it is still edible and very nice too.
    Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Jeanied View Post
      I think you may find the flea beetle is one of the culprits in your case, rst - they absolutely love rocket. My rocket is full of holes - but it is still edible and very nice too.
      so they don't destroy the rocket ?!
      Are you sure ?! Lol ....

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      • #4
        Ants only go for meaty things like aphis (greenfly etc) so they are not a direct threat to your produce. They do 'farm' the aphis though, so they place them on your tender seedlings and milk them for their sweet juices - which is an issue for the grower as the aphis feed on plant sap.
        Beetles, on the other hand, are quite useful - unless they are the tiny flea beetle who ping around in true flea fashion and make tiny holes in your rocket, mizuna and radish leaves!
        Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Jeanied View Post
          Ants only go for meaty things like aphis (greenfly etc) so they are not a direct threat to your produce. They do 'farm' the aphis though, so they place them on your tender seedlings and milk them for their sweet juices - which is an issue for the grower as the aphis feed on plant sap.
          Beetles, on the other hand, are quite useful - unless they are the tiny flea beetle who ping around in true flea fashion and make tiny holes in your rocket, mizuna and radish leaves!
          Mhmm , So do I need to worry about any of the ants or beetle on my produce ?!
          Do I need to take some action or anything or can I just leave it be ?!

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          • #6
            If you have ants, then you have aphids. You need to find them and squish them, with your fingers.

            I have deja vu now. Beetles (ground beetles) are the gardener's friend. Flea beetles are a nuisance: they pepper the leaves with small holes. If you do an advanced search on here for "flea + beetle" you will find lots of advice on dealing with them.

            Basically, they like dry conditions, so keep the rocket watered or misted.
            All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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            • #7
              I have just noticed an ant colony in my second compost bin. Is there a way to get rid without spoiling the compost?

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              • #8
                Ants in the compost bin is a signal it is all too dry - give it a stir about and a good watering DB.
                Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

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                • #9
                  I watered my dalek ants with comfrey tea: they didn't like that!
                  All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                    I watered my dalek ants with comfrey tea: they didn't like that!
                    D'ya blame them......have you tried it
                    S*d the housework I have a lottie to dig
                    a batch of jam is always an act of creation ..Christine Ferber

                    You can't beat a bit of garden porn

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                    • #11
                      I did accidentally slosh some in my wellie once: that learned me
                      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                        I did accidentally slosh some in my wellie once: that learned me
                        Should have worn Caloshes!

                        Binley really does Know best!
                        G4-Meteorological mastermind! Stone/String it's all covered!
                        Jeanied- Makes your day complete!!
                        PB- Masteress of Pumpkins!


                        I Don't Know who Dave is...But he's one cool Dude!
                        I Once was a Tuber but with a little practice!!

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                        • #13
                          lol yeah. What a memory you have
                          All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by binley100 View Post
                            D'ya blame them......have you tried it
                            yer not sposed to drink it Bins!!

                            Binley really does Know best!
                            G4-Meteorological mastermind! Stone/String it's all covered!
                            Jeanied- Makes your day complete!!
                            PB- Masteress of Pumpkins!


                            I Don't Know who Dave is...But he's one cool Dude!
                            I Once was a Tuber but with a little practice!!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              .....but it smelt so delightful .....................NOT
                              S*d the housework I have a lottie to dig
                              a batch of jam is always an act of creation ..Christine Ferber

                              You can't beat a bit of garden porn

                              Comment

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