#511 Dealing with Garden Pests Naturally & Allotment Adventures#511

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Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. I'm Richard, your host, on a mission to grow all my fruit, vegetables, and herbs in my beloved allotment and garden. In this episode, we'll explore effective ways for dealing with garden pests naturally, along with the latest updates from my productive allotment. Let's dive in!

Dealing with Garden Pests Naturally:

While my garden usually enjoys pest-free days, this week has brought a few unwelcome visitors. First, I noticed peach leaf curl, a fungal disease affecting peach and nectarine trees. It's a rare sight at this time of year, but I'm tackling it by handpicking the infected leaves and taking extra precautions by bringing affected plants into the greenhouse from November to May.

Another challenge I faced is powdery mildew on my courgettes. This common fungal disease can be quite a nuisance, but I'm promptly removing the affected leaves. Some fellow gardeners have recommended a natural treatment using milk spray, which I'm eager to try.

Caterpillars have also been spotted munching on my beloved Brussels sprouts. Although this is an uncommon issue in my garden, I'm taking action by picking off the caterpillars and their eggs regularly. The wild birds, who are excellent allies in the garden, usually help maintain the balance, but I'm supporting them further by providing these caterpillar snacks to my chickens.

I recently received a query from a listener in our Facebook group about allium leaf miners. These pesky small flies lay eggs on allium plants, causing damage. Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments available, but I plan to incorporate crop rotation and good garden hygiene to mitigate future occurrences.

Allotment Adventures:

Our allotment has been bustling with activity lately. I can't help but notice how much noisier it has become since the new reload opened nearby. Nevertheless, we continue our commitment to grow food here despite the distractions.

Harvests have been abundant this week, with beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions gracing our baskets. The hard work invested in nurturing these plants has certainly paid off, and we're reaping the rewards of fresh, homegrown produce.

Additionally, I had the chance to harvest some delightful currants from the top part of the allotment after lending a helping hand to my neighbor by trimming their plot. It's always a pleasure to foster a sense of community among allotment growers.

Rainy weather has left the grass area too thick to mow, but I'm eagerly waiting for it to dry out so I can tidy it up properly. As we strive for an efficient and productive allotment, I've emptied a compost bin, spreading its fantastic compost over one of our beds to nourish the soil for future growth.

Empty spaces are emerging, and I'm quickly filling them with seeds and other vegetable plants. Every inch of space matters, and I'm maximizing our growing potential in the allotment.

Conclusion:

That's a wrap for this week's episode of the Veg Grower Podcast. I hope you found the tips on dealing with garden pests without pesticides helpful and enjoyed the updates from our lively allotment adventures. Remember, maintaining a healthy garden and allotment requires vigilance and a harmonious relationship with nature.

Be sure to try out Scott's mouth-watering French peas recipe, and stay tuned for more exciting gardening insights and updates in future episodes. Until next time, happy gardening, and remember to grow and enjoy your own produce!

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