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More slug defence measures from Mette

3/14/2018

 
A recommendation from plot holder and slug war veteran Mette, you'll find many tips in this inexpensive, useful and fun little book. Find or request it at your usual library or book merchants:

'Are you being bullied by a mollusc that slimes all over your garden and munches through your favourite delphinium? Are you worried about using slug pellets for fear of endangering local wildlife? Take a stand against slugs with 50 alternative, organic, natural, chemical and humane solutions to slug problems. Trick, flick and frighten slugs out of your garden, leaving you with pest-free plants. Stop slugs in their tracks and make slimy trails a thing of the past'  

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Bulb Bonanza

10/1/2017

 
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Now's the time to pick up a bargain bulb or two. Many supermarkets are selling mixed packs of daffodil bulbs. If you fancy something more unusual then online suppliers such as crocus.co.uk have a tempting selection, often on bulk deals at this time of year.


Plant bulbs pointy end up, flat end down twice as deep as the bulb is long. Put some grit in the planting hole first if your soil needs it to stop the bulbs getting soggy.

Daffodils will push their way through grassy corners every year. They will do well along the edges of perennial beds or lining pathways around your plot. They are low maintenance – just don't cut back daffodil foliage after flowering. Deadhead then let the remaining leaves die back naturally, recharging the bulb for next year's display.

Mette's slug defence trials

9/2/2016

 
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Warriston plot holder Mette experimented with a range of slug defence measures this year, mining the internet for new ways to stop this slimy menace in its tracks.

A home made wild garlic and water spray, misted over young seedlings appeared to have a mild deterrent effect, perhaps throwing the pests off the scent?

Home made slug traps made from empty drink cartons of the screw-on-top variety (see images) were a great success. The tops were removed and beer (alluring to slugs) put inside the carton. This resulted in cartons full of slugs after just day or two on the ground. 

Chris' Tips

8/4/2016

 
Some tips from a Warriston plot holder.
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Mare's TailĀ 

6/26/2016

 
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To  conquer mare's tail (equisetum arvense) with its 7ft long roots/underground stems (rhizomes) and extremely invasive nature, first dig out as many roots as you can before planting. Then, as soon as you see the fir tree-like green shoots appear, pull them out. If you never let the horse tail see the light of day, over a number of seasons, the infestation will dramatically reduce. Cutting grass which contains the weed, very short, also keeps it in check. Chemical treatment is not particularly effective as this plant is a strong survivor.

Bee home

5/25/2016

 
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Leave a wild patch of grass (including weeds) for bees and beetles to burrow in. These beneficial insects will help your plot become/remain organic.

    Allotment Tips

    Tips from Warriston allotment holders

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