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nematodes
rosemummy
Posts: 2,010
got my nematodes wednesday, now just waiting for 20 minutes without small helpers to use them, goodness they seem awfully complicated, I have a 'fine' watering can rose, do I really need to buy a special one? I'm aware after readin lots of reviews you have to use them properly , and they're not cheap, has anyone any advice? thanks in advance (rain forecast today and tomorrow so will pobably apply tomorrow or sunday)
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You do not need a special rose as such but as the the carrier medium and nematodes are in suspension rather than actually dissolved, a fine rose will tend to clog up. Even a coarse Rose may block a little, even when the product is correctly mixed & diluted. You could apply without a rose into pots but if you want an even spread on open ground, they advise a coarse rose.
Last edited: 17 March 2017 11:22:46
thanks Iain, will nip to gc in the morning( nice excuse for an inspirational visit anyway!)
rose mummy I use a haws number 14 rose mix well and I have no problems with clogging
got a good coarse rose from allotment shop for 50p! no clogging, all done,now just have to wait and see if they work and are worth the faff of applying!
eeek snow forecast now this week!! It's rained both days since I applied it so thought all was great,can't believe it's going to get cold again!
Soil temperature on my plot was +11 C at weekend so even with a dusting of snow I don't think it will drop that much in the root zone. I think they say it only has to be +5 for the nematodes so you should be ok. Out of interest was it for slugs or vine weevil?
slug nematodes will survive a few frosts but are inactive below 5 degrees ,Here in the north east I apply end of April
phew thanks Iain, though I've checked other weather forecasts and it doesn't look too bad ( it was my Mum who told me it's going to be awful, soooo cold, snow.. ( I should hvae known, I'm afraid I do call her, to her face, the harbinger of doom, she loves a bad weather forecast and to tell me we all have to stay in and not go anywhere.. ever!!)) it was for slugs, both our back and front gardens have mega loads of slugs and snails, last year was worst ever, didn't even get 1 sunflower, they ate nearly everything I sowed grrrr am determined to beat them this year using every weapon I can!
You may still have to use some pellets for the snails as they tend to live above ground and the nematodes can't get to them there. I am sure you know the Ferric Phosphate ones are best as they do not affect other wildlife so much.