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Leatherjackets, nematodes & lawn care after

Shelley SShelley S Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Having discovered a significant number of leatherjackets whilst extending our borders, I applied the appropriate nematodes at the beginning of the week. We did ‘treat’ it in the autumn, when crane flies were in evidence, as we are on a new development where many lawns have been completely devastated. Is it ok to now apply organic lawn fertiliser, or should I wait awhile to give the nematodes a chance to begin their work? Any additional advice for action welcome.

Posts

  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    @Shelley S you need to leave for at least 2 weeks after using nematodes before applying any feed to your lawn.  Iron Sulphate (Sulphate Of Iron) helps to deter leatherjackets and it also greens up your lawn and kills moss.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited April 2023
    Always apply sulphate of iron diluted.  Preferrably dissolved in water, but some preparations use sand.

    I'm not sure of the lifecycle of crane flies but in autumn they were hatching out into flies.  The wrong time to treat.  Check that you have got the timing right now; nematodes are not cheap.

    If you don't have a pressing need to fertilise, don't.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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