Solomon's Seal and Sawfly AND Geraniums with leaves eaten
NorthernLass2
Posts: 407
The title sums it up.
My Solomon's Seal is stripped bare every year by sawfly. Don't tell me to pick off the caterpillars... I'd be there all year! Been there, tried it! I'm always reluctant to use insecticides (never used any in 10 years!) but I have some ready for next year. I've got Provado bug killer. My intention is to use it sparingly and ONLY on the Solomon's Seal. Early in the year when there's not a lot else in flower to attacts too many things like bees and to put it on at dusk time again to try to avoid when bees and good stuff is out and about.
Any feedback, other suggestions or things I ought to be aware of?
This year for the very first time something's been eating my gernaium leaves and leaving them looking like lace doilies. I can't see any signs of anything on them. No caterpillars or flies but there's obviously something I'm missing. I've tried just a wash with soapy water. No difference. And whatever it is seems to be spreading throughout the garden.
Ideas and suggestions for stopping it will be hugely appreciated?
Posts
Have you tried nematodes?
No.
But I'm thinking they'd have to be millions of them and going at 70mph to beat all the sawfly.
What experience of them do you have?
Have you tried them? And what nematode in particular is it you need for sawfly?
I need something that is going to work and would appreciate feedback or suggestions in relation to that. So any personal experience would be great.
Thanks.
Hi NorthernLass2,
You might want to try neem oil. I use it for gooseberry sawfly and it also works on the Solomon's Seal.
I make up a spray of neem oil and as soon as all the leaves are out I drench each plant. Any spare solution goes onto the soil below as the earthworms are supposed to love it. I do further drenches every 4-6 weeks (just in case) and have had no problems.
Neem is totally organic and although it stinks a bit is easy to mix up and apply (see link below). I got mine off ebay .... wasn't expensive for a big bottle which will last ages. At room temperature it is solid, but goes liquid again with a couple of hours in the airing cupboard.
Also using on the lilies as the dreaded beetle has now put an appearance in Scotland.
http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-repellent.html
A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
I use neem as an ingredient for fly repellent for me and the horses.
I know it doesn't work to kill or get rid of or break the life cycle of sawfly.