Lupins

When I plant Lupins something eats them within days. What is eating them and how do I prevent it?

 

Hi Panicman
It's probably slugs & /or snails. Try spraying with strong cheap coffee over several days (& topping up after rain/damp weather)+ nematodes watered into the soil, slug pubs (not to close to the plants), Surrounding the young plants with a barrier like copper or "slugban" (which looks a bit like cat litter). Also don't put them out too young - pesky molluscs just love to eat those babies! Don't give up!

 

Thanks will try the coffee tip. What are nematodes? do I just ask for that in a Garden Centre? (I'm new to this game). Thanks once again.

 

Hi Panicman - Nematodes are microscopic creatures that burrow into slugs, lay eggs, whcih hatch & eat the slugs from the inside!!!
Try this link http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/nematode.htm
or this one for nematodes + more options
http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=61_179
My local garden centre gets them in for me, try asking at yours. Going back outside now to hunt down some more snails (I do this most days - am very sad!!! :rolleyes:

 

Hi Bayleaf - Thanx once again, will get some of those fiendish beasties (and some more Lupins) and try again!

 

Lupins ?? if it's not this blasted blackflies attacking them, it's the slugs, but not got a problem with slugs, got this loyal frogs and hedgehogs prawling nitetime. And have not grown Lupins for that reason for many years....... too seasonal anyway...not room for it all ...

 

OOOh what about lupin greenfly. Not the problem in this case but i swear ive seen greenfly on lupins that had to get permission to land, they were that big!!

 

Yeah lupins have their own version of greenfly and they are massive, by our standards anyway.