Our runner beans have been desperately in need of planting out and have grown quite tall already. Saturday was their lucky day and they were moved to the plot. Three varieties - Enorma, Lady Di and Painted Lady - were planted each up their own teepee. I just hope they don't get too much of a shock as it is quite cold for June.
I also hope that, if they survive the un-June-like conditions, they don't fall foul to the dastardly pea and bean weevils. Each year these little devils make a beeline for our broad bean and pea plants.
Usually despite their nibbling frenzy they don't cause too much of a problem as the growing plants manage to out grow them. This year though they seem to be far more voracious and were on the attack earlier than usual. Another problem is that the plants are growing much slower this year so they may decide that the weevils are the last straw!
The broad beans although still small are beginning to flower - just hope those little devils don't put paid to our chances of a broad bean and pea harvest.
The broad beans although still small are beginning to flower - just hope those little devils don't put paid to our chances of a broad bean and pea harvest.
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Those purple-flowered Broad Beans are most attractive! I haven't ever been much troubled by bean weevils like those you describe, but I usually lose a lot of plants to the type of grub that attacks the roots. This year I applied some Nemasys Grow Your Own nematodes, and so far so good - no sign of attack (yet).
ReplyDeleteToday we have cold drizzle, so very un-June-like weather.
We've used some slug nematode in the carrot bed and around the cold frame but it's quite expensive on a large scale. I hope the temperature doesn't frop below 5C or they don't work and as they work underground I don't think they work on snails which can be even more of a problem in our garden! Pouring down today!
DeleteThanks now i know whats been eating some of my peas as well as the snails! What is your views on pest control. To spray or not to spray, that is the question? Maybe you could share your experiences on what you do for different pests? thanks
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is actually a product that controls weevils available on the market. Advice is to pick them off! I've never spotted one though. Another suggestion is to put sticky papaer on the ground and shake the plants so weevils drop off and stick to the paper. Hoeing is supposed to help which I do. Most years the weevil damage is just cosmetic but with small plants this year it could be more damaging. We need some warm weather to get things going so the plants have a fighting chance.
DeleteAs for other pests we try to prevent by using enviromesh and netting but we use soft soap solution for whitefly. We use lures to control codling moth on apples. But do use a winter wash on fruit trees.
We also use slug pellets under netting, enviromesh or weed control fabric.
Generally speaking we do try to avoid spraying unless things are being devastated and then we use something that targets pests and is as 'safe' as possible.
If all our garlic grows I'm thinking of making a garlic spray too.
Love the look of those crimson flowered broad beans. Might have to try them next time.
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty Serendipity, but don't grow a large as white flowered ones and the beans are smaller.
DeleteThose broad beans are quite lovely. This is the second year that I have planted them and the second year that they have ants! They aren't even in the same location since the plots have moved! I have been using cinnamon on them. We shall see if it works.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the weather has been crazy everywhere. We had extremely hot weather for awhile, now it's pretty cool out. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the weevils don't do too much damage for you. The weather has been enough to deal with!
The weather has certainly been challenging Robin today it has rained all day and is so cold!
DeleteMy beans also tiny but having flowers. And I hope we all will avoid weevils or they avoid as.
ReplyDeleteJust hope the beans and peas manage to survive the weevils Mr F I'm starting to think this year could be a poor cropping season all round!
DeleteAlthough you can't change the weather and boost growth, would a spray with seaweed extract help strengthen the beans?
ReplyDeleteLast week I noticed one of my David Austin roses looking a bit peely wally with a few aphids trying to take a hold. Much squishing of small green things followed by a seaweed spray and yesterday it was looking a lot better.
Everything on the plot was fed with seaweed feed last week BW. So here's hoping
DeleteI'm still trying to get around to get my peas in the ground. I have noticed how small my broad bean plants are this year...hoe it doesn't make a difference to the harvest!!
ReplyDeleteThat's two of us hoping the same thing Tanya
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