Pests, Diseases and Cures

What a good idea, I have been looking at possable sorces of copper to protect my plants but have never though of scouring pads. May I pass this tip on please to another vegetable growing group I some times visit. Jax

If its the older leaves, on bulbs that have flowered Charlie, its not a problem. The old bulbs at the back of the plant eventually have no leaves at all.

You're welcome - and I know the feeling - I've got plenty to do myself this weekend

Hi Berry - I don't think its the clay - in my previous garden honeysuckle grew well in clay in full sun, here another is doing OK - but not doing as well cos its in poor soil, and heavily overshadowed.I think I would be tempted to move your honeysuckle if the old one had the same problems then...

Thanks everyone for your advice, Never heard of T-bags, will give that a go and let you know how I get on! Found another 20 HUGE slugs last night..... Wish the little creatures would go and bug some other gardener!

Hi Nic s, This an excellent site. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/british_insects/

Sorry Andrew can't help with this one. Usually that kind of discolouration on the leaves mean the plant is stressed for some reason though it could be a fungus infection. Fuchsia if stressed will develop very dark purple leaf markings and then they will yellow and drop. Question would be what...

Hi Heather, Try this link it is very helpful too. http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/camellias/camellia.asp

that explains a lot - have had some black, like midget flies around. Thanks - will not water so much and see wot happens thanks again

I know the feeling em,the mealy bugs are defeated and the caterpillers move in and creep down in the centre of the veg,my dear small person put some under the mesh(used to protect the brocolli from her)before I noticed and taught her what the word squish meant.I refuse to be beaten by the little...

Black spotted,green caterpillers. Serpents of the Sawfly Think I was on the national flight path,so gave up :(

Not seen one yet!

The fire method works well. I had a nest in a bird box and I used a gas blow torch, cremation is ok but have a hosepipe handy.

yes its exactly the same thank you very much what a great site!!

Thanks Ladybird - well I've done it now and cut back quite a bit more than fifty percent - it just happened! I hope I havent overdone it, I attach a before and two after photos - the before photo was taken when I think the plant was looking its best but if you can imagine twice as much onto that...

It could be overwatering with a young plant, is the compost always wet?

Mmmm sounds a little like mildew - very common on some plants at this time of year - especially with the dearth of rain. If it is, try a fungicide spray, and water well - or rather the other way round .

nuke the blighters!

Thank you Bayleaf for your advise - hopefully do better next year. It's a shame because they have spread like nobody's business and all of them are effected.Thanks again Oli

Many thanks all