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Carrot fly

dototterdototter Posts: 2
in Fruit & veg
Can I safely compost the affected carrots or will it make them reproduce for next year?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They can remain in plants/roots etc, so probably best not to, unless you take measures to kill everything off.  :)  
    It's always advisable to grow them next year in a new position too, in case there's anything remaining in the soil.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • detsnpowderdetsnpowder Posts: 38
    I have finally (almost ) beaten 'carrot fly' by using a raised bed for the carrots.
  • stephen.mcmellen.49stephen.mcmellen.49 Posts: 13
    The best way to stop carrot fly is to grow garlic with them.  Garlic is never troubled by insects,  they can't stand it. 
  • dototterdototter Posts: 2
    Thanks to you all for the good advice.  This was the first time I’ve grown carrots and although most of them were successful I’ve got a lot to learn!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You need a physical barrier to prevent carrot fly. A raised bed will certainly help as they don't fly above approx. 18 inches to 2 feet. Or you can use canes and netting or something similar.   :)

    Remember that they don't like rich soil either, so old compost that is healthy is ideal   :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • garynortheastgarynortheast Posts: 45
    We grew all our carrots in old, enamelled, full sized baths on legs this year. Filled them with a mix of poor soil and builders sand. They were too high for the carrot fly and I have been harvesting the best carrots I've ever grown.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - it's getting the height that's important  :)
    Sprays of any kind do nothing. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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