Broad Beans, Slugs and Plot Update Week 14

Posted on 20. May, 2008 by Tracey in Veg Plot

Today I was mostly picking baby slugs off Plot 1. It is official that vermiculite and copper tape definitely do not work as slug repellents.

Upon closer inspection on Plot 1, the baby slug family have obliterated my carrots, put holes in my spinach and munched through some lettuce seedlings. As I’ve just read a startling fact that 95% of slugs are underground, its time to get tough and order the nematodes.

Nematodes are a type of parasite that feed on the slugs underground. It is sent in a packet of powder which is mixed with water and using a watering can applied to the plot or soil. Each packet lasts 6 weeks and re-application is necessary. Each standard pack is approx £9.49 and treats up to 40 square metres. There is a large pack for bigger areas. Click here for more info about nematodes.

Plot 1 – Root Vegetables and munched Salads
- Both rows of Parsnips (back rows) are doing brilliantly!

Plot 1 - 20.05.08

Plot 2 – Cabbages and Broccoli

Plot 2's Progress on 20.05.08

Plot 3 – Beans and Peas
- Tiny Broad Beans now forming and a few pea pods harvested (I couldn’t resist!)

Plot 3 Beans & Peas 20.05.08

NEW – Plot 4 – Runner Beans
Last week I realised that I had no room to plant out my runner beans hence a new plot was cobbled together. Plot 4 is not as smart as the other plots with raised wooden planks as I didn’t have any left. So it is a mound of earth with rocks round the edges. The beans don’t seem to mind it.

Veg of the Moment – Broad Beans

Whilst I was creating a mound of earth underneath my broad beans to keep them supported, I was watching a bumble bee pollinate the broad bean flowers and it was lovely to watch an insect that close whilst it goes about its business. The black and white broad bean flowers do give off a alluring scent so I can understand the bumble bees attraction. There are a few tiny bean pods forming on the plants which means the bees are doing their worthwhile job pollinating the flowers.
Keep up the good work bees!