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What pest would cause this damage
JamieMcD
Posts: 89
Hi folks
Got a really big potato plant in an old compost bag, had been growing really well. Went out today to find half of it had fallen over. Quite a bit of damage to the stems. What could have caused this. I am in central scotland.
Would appreciate any help
Jamie
0
Posts
Very likely, a great big slug.
I have been going out and getting rid of them from time to time but took a few nights off haha. Unbelievable!
Thanks a lot anyway, just wasnt sure if a slug could do that much damage.
Jamie
Jamie; I've had entire plants lost to a slug overnight.
The Centre for Alternative Technology publishes "The Little Book of Slugs" which describes numerous organic methods of dealing with the little slimeballs.
Thanks a lot for the help and advice everyone.
I had just been going out at night with a torch and getting rid of them, but needless to say its a bit tough walking about in the dark trying to find slugs lol so think i will look into alternatives.
Thanks again
Jamie
Sink a plastic glass into the ground. Fill half way with cheap beer; the slugs are drawn to the beer; fall in. Then get too drunk to climb back out
Hi Jamie,
I'm also in Scotland ... and the slugs just seem to love our weather.
I've been using nematodes for 3 years now and they really work. Far less damage than before.
I was a sceptical at first .... thought it would be a bit of a gimmick ... but I'm really pleased with the result.
They are not cheap, but if they save a few plants then I figure they've paid for themselves.
I also get to spend more time actually gardening rather than just rounding the blighters up for hours on end!!
Worth trying.
Bee
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime