Pests, Diseases and Cures

The skins will probably taste a bit tough, no harm in trying, if you don't like them remove them as Zigs says

Hello HY and welcome to GC The black pests are slugs. They don't really do damage to a lawn but are probably on their way to decimate some choice plants in nearby beds! Depending on how you feel about using chemicals, either pellets (based on methiocarb or Ferramol brand) or beer traps are...

With pots you can give it a tap, they sound hollow if dry or lift gently (dry compost is very light). I sometimes stick my finger in to feel if the compost is dry or soggy an inch or so down. Otherwise buy a cheap moisture meter like this for less than a tenner:

Phew! That's a relief thanks for responding quickly!Sent from my HTC Desire C using Tapatalk

That's interesting Kristen, wonder if they can find one that does Rapeseed too, that's crowded out the Balsam along the Parrett.

Well, it's taken a few days to sort out etc, however it may have been rust!! I found tell tail signs on some of the plants which didn't seem badly affected. Turned over the leaves and ...I've thrown two that were in pots away (they were only young ones & were hit bad) On the others I've...

Yes that's unusual. I can't think what else they would be, slugs tend to have round eggs so I think we can discount those.

Perhaps slightly early in the season for mildew, but it does happen on curcubits at the end of the season. You could try spraying with diluted milk, some thing I picked up from someone on the forum a few years ago. Failing that a systemic fungicide, but be careful a pick one which is OK to use...

Never seen one before thought it was beautiful looks like a knitted toy, I only get common ones with huge appetites...

Arr, the black keeled slug will ave it away with your spuds in Davey Jones lockerOld Pirates tale says that only an application of nematodes will belay the little varmits.

I have some sort of scale infestation on a small bush on my lawn. I'm not sure what sort of infestation it is. Photos are attached.Any clue as to what it really is?And any tips on how to handle it? The branches on the bush still appear viable, but is this bush a gonner? And an adjacent...

Little alcohol trap, and they kill themselves gorging.

It's a her, even better!

What is your growing medium? I hate baskets for these kind of issues!

Thanks everyone. I guess the slugs are not such an issue as no-one has commented on them. Anyone got any preferred fetilisers for the lawn?

Good morning Spruce and Kristen many thanks for your good advice and help my friends

Oh Bother Jenny No overwintered plant remains and spraying with Bordeaux mixture next year then

Hello, Been fighting slugs

Ah, that would explain why the first plant has now got new healthy looking fruit on it after I took all the others off a few weeks ago.Off out to the greenhouse now to cut all the rest off ETA - now done, here's hoping for lots more fruit soon