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Sulphur candles and garlic candles for pests

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  • #1

    Sulphur candles and garlic candles for pests

    Reading a gardening magazine today, they recommended using a garlic candle to see off pests as I clean my greenhouse for winter. I found one online, but also found a sulphur candle for sale for the same purpose.

    Any grape used these successfully or otherwise?
    Mostly flowers, some fruit and veg, at the seaside in Edinburgh.
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  • #2
    Babru, yes I burn a sulphur candle in my greenhouse every year when the growing season is finished and all the plants are out. Usually around February before the growing season begins.
    Can't say whether its successful but I have had no pests for several years.
    It cant do any harm so give it a try.
    I also plant a tagates (type of marigold) in with my tomatoes and peppers.
    I think these help to keep out pests as well.

    And when your back stops aching,
    And your hands begin to harden.
    You will find yourself a partner,
    In the glory of the garden.

    Rudyard Kipling.sigpic

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    • #3
      I always found Sulphur candles were effective against pests and fungal spores, and used them whenever I got botrytis in the greenhouse. The garlic ones aren't as effective, IMO but the sulphur ones are very difficult to get hold of nowadays, and so quite expensive.
      Washing an empty greenhouse down with Jay's Fluid is the alternative option, but is smelly and messy

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      • #4
        I use sulphur candles also. They are simply some beeswax + sulphur granules in a tin with a wick. I've never tried making my own but no reason for folks not to .

        I also use a sulphur hot box. That basically melts and atomises the sulphur as opposed to burning it.

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        • #5
          Could I burn a sulphur candle in the greenhouse with the grapevine if it is dormant?

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          • #6
            I'll pass on giving an answer to that but if in doubt, wrap in clingfilm possibly would protect against any side effects?

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            • #7
              Never heard of these before, but after some supplementary reading, seems like they might be the best way to control my annual RSM infestations.

              Being a thrifty gardener though, homemade sulphur candles seem the way to go, shall have a go and let you know
              Death to all slugs!

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              • #8
                Sorry, can I ask what RSM is? I've sent away for a sulphur candle BTW.
                Mostly flowers, some fruit and veg, at the seaside in Edinburgh.

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                • #9
                  I found the sulpher candles can be a bit destructive. I forgot to take out my auto window openers when I used the candles once. And a couple of Them got ruined. Also it seemed to make any ferrous metals in there go rusty over night. The alluminum frame also got a bit on residue left on it

                  I just use the garlic ones these days. And a good jet wash in the spring

                  Seems to do the job

                  You can use the garlic ones with plants still in there also

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                  • #10
                    Urban. Never heard anything like that.
                    I use them every year and never have a problem.

                    And when your back stops aching,
                    And your hands begin to harden.
                    You will find yourself a partner,
                    In the glory of the garden.

                    Rudyard Kipling.sigpic

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by bramble View Post
                      Urban. Never heard anything like that.
                      I use them every year and never have a problem.
                      Agree my auto opener still works just fine

                      RSM? Probably, Red spider mite.

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                      • #12
                        Glad to hear it doesn't usually destroy the openers, I was a bit concerned.

                        Thanks for deciphering RSM for me Thelma. I don't have red spider mite in the greenhouse (yet), but I absolutely HATE it when I've had it on houseplants in the past. Sulphur candle has arrived, so onto it soon!
                        Mostly flowers, some fruit and veg, at the seaside in Edinburgh.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Babru View Post
                          Sorry, can I ask what RSM is? I've sent away for a sulphur candle BTW.
                          Sorry, Red Spider Mite. Horrible horrible things
                          Death to all slugs!

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                          • #14
                            Cleaned the greenhouse with the help of the OH and his power washer, lit the sulphur candle and retreated over night. I'm pleased to say my automatic openers still work fine (been sunny here), but a pair of stainless steel scissors have a yellowish colour on the exposed, uppermost side. Sulphur residue I imagine, so if using these candles you might want to leave stainless steel things outside!
                            Mostly flowers, some fruit and veg, at the seaside in Edinburgh.

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                            • #15
                              I'm deffo going to have a go at making my own sulphur candles. Just bought some beeswax granules on Fleabay

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