Classic Gardening Magazine
Gardening as it ought to be
Actually, just the Derris. Forget the Dominoes. Dear old bug-zapping Derris is now an outlaw, soon to be banned by those slug-huggers at the EU.
Now, I know we are all supposed to be organic these days, but show me a gardener who's just seen a row of delicate young seedlings scythed down, or found his fruit full of worms, and I'll show you someone contemplating chemical warfare.
Fortunately, those nice people at Garden Organic have some friendly alternatives to suggest.
With derris (rotenone), an insecticide used against aphids, red spider mite and small caterpillars, and stump killer ammonium sulphamate, marketed as Root Out, Deep Root and Amcide, set to be withdrawn from sale this year, Garden Organic's Sally Smith, said: “There are lots of things that you can do to give your plants the best chance.
"It is all about practical, sustainable solutions that work with nature to make the best of the situation.
“Attracting
predators that eat pests, like blue tits and parasitic wasps that enjoy
caterpillars, will reduce pests significantly, so plant to encourage
biodiversity in your plot and put up nest boxes to provide homes for
birds. Barriers will also help so cover your vegetables with a fine
mesh or fleece to stop them being attacked by flying pests such as the
cabbage white butterfly.
“Looking after your soil is really the cornerstone of organic gardening though. With the best growing conditions your plants will remain healthy and be able to resist attack from pests and disease. As well as feeding your soil, be vigilant and check your plants regularly so that you can respond if a problem does occur.
“When dealing with tree stumps the best technique is to dig them out. Make a trench around the root severing small roots with a sharp spade and cutting off larger ones with an axe or pruning saw. Leave yourself about 3ft above ground to act as leverage when pulling out the roots. A stump will gradually die and decay however so if it is really stubborn leave it as a feature or grow climbing plants over it.”
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