Why are my seedlings dying

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Sargan, Apr 8, 2021.

  1. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2013
    Messages:
    5,862
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
    Ratings:
    +13,960
    They like damp compost to lay eggs in. The larvae are like tiny, translucid worms that glide through the top couple of inches of compost. Perhaps the flies are searching for an alternative maternity ward that's just been watered :biggrin:
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    47,718
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +84,358
    They are less of a problem if you get into the habit of watering from the bottom.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Tinkerbelle61

      Tinkerbelle61 Happiest Outdoors!

      Joined:
      Aug 16, 2020
      Messages:
      256
      Gender:
      Female
      Location:
      Woodbridge Suffolk
      Ratings:
      +697
      Errrggg!

      Job for today.......!
      Replace top two inches of compost and get a bottom watering system worked out and set up!!

      Thank you @noisette47 and @pete for your replies. Just wondering.... last summer I took all the plants out into the garden and gave them a good soaking (in the dog bath), would them being taken outside have helped or hindered them? It’s pretty cold out there today but shall I take them outside for a while, would the cold help kill of the flies or just hurt the plants do you think? We are in north Essex.
       
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

      Joined:
      Jan 9, 2005
      Messages:
      47,718
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Mid Kent
      Ratings:
      +84,358
      I wouldn't put house plants out on a day like today.
      Soaking them is good for once in a while but it does make the compost very wet which the blighters will like.
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • noisette47

        noisette47 Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jan 25, 2013
        Messages:
        5,862
        Gender:
        Female
        Location:
        Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
        Ratings:
        +13,960
        Just stock up with matches, Tinks It really does work!
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Friendly Friendly x 1
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice