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Something is eating my carrot seedlings

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  • #1

    Something is eating my carrot seedlings

    I wonder if anyone knows where my seedlings are disappearing to. I noticed large sections of carrot seedlings had disappeared. I couldn't see any tell-tale slug trails. Anyway I covered the container (obviously not very well!)with a mesh but more have gone. I also have rocket in the container but that is pretty much OK.

    I would be very grateful for advice on carrots etc. This is the first year I've tried to grow my own vegetables so I need lots of advice!
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  • #2
    Slugs are rampant this year, mainly due to the fact we haven't really had any cold weather to kill off their numbers. They are probably the most likely culprits, the field slug is a burrower and is unlikely to leave a tell tale trail.

    I read somewhere the other day that rotovating in humid weather when slugs are near the surface can reduce numbers by upto 75%, look out slugs next year, and its easier on my back.
    Last edited by Mikey; 04-06-2008, 12:18 PM.
    I'm only here cos I got on the wrong bus.

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    • #3
      Thanks for replying.
      I know it's probably a bad idea but I've just been out and transferred the seedlings into a bucket which I'm going to put in the summerhouse at night! But, I'm going to sow some more at the weekend. I'll check out your field slug suggestion. I've never heard of them.
      I think my first attempt at veg growing is going to be a very steep learning curve!
      But, I have just found the first flower on my cucumber plant so fingers crossed.

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      • #4
        Finty - put some copper tape around the pot you have the carrots in, slugs won't cross it cos they get an electric shock and your carrots wont be munched by anyone but you!!
        Life may not be the party we hoped for but since we're here we might as well dance

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        • #5
          Thanks.

          I'll get some next visit to the garden centre.

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          • #6
            In the meantime coffee grounds, and egg shells are a cheap alternative to put around your carrots.
            Last edited by Mikey; 04-06-2008, 01:24 PM.
            I'm only here cos I got on the wrong bus.

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            • #7
              That settles it, eggs for tea!
              I've just been reading through some of the slug stories and there seem to be lots of ideas but nothing, apart from picking them off, is effective. And if they're these burrowing field slugs then there's no hope.
              Is only hedgehogs that eat them?

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              • #8
                The slugs that live underground are also called keel slugs and they can eat your carrots even before they appear at ground level. There are a few products that you can water onto the ground that will kill them.

                Ian

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                • #9
                  I want to try and grow organically. Are there any non-chemical/safe/organic products that can be used?

                  Thanks,

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                  • #10
                    finty,try your buckets on a patio if you have one,they dont like the lime in the slabs,
                    mine are in planters i have had no problem
                    Good look
                    Finney

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                    • #11
                      My container was on the patio! I obviously have an SAS slug contingent in my garden!
                      It was quite close to the flower border though so maybe just moving it may help.
                      As I said, I've transferred the seedlings to I hope safer surroundings, but I will sow more seeds at the weekend
                      Thanks very much for all your suggestions though.
                      I just want something to be successful the slugs are having a great time eating my lettuce as well.

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                      • #12
                        Something was eating my carrot seedlings and it turned out to be Woodlice!!!!
                        The greatness comes not when things go always good for you,but the greatness comes when you are really tested,when you take,some knocks,some disappointments;because only if youv'e been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.

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                        • #13
                          I have a problem with birds, they are eating everything! Baby Starlings and sparrows everywhere, bless em.
                          A bad days fishing is still better than a good day at work!
                          There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

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                          • #14
                            Mods, is there some way of stopping Finney and Finty posting one after the other - did my head in at a quick glance
                            A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! (Thomas Edward Brown)

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