Last year many of my tubers were eaten by some kind of rodent. Do you have any suggestions how to prevent it this yer? Also what size pots did you start yours in?
Hi Julie thanks for your question. I presume you mean after planting? I would want to identify the pest maybe using an Infrared Wildlife camera, they are not expensive and it's fascinating to view the night footage. It is difficult to ensure protection without for example putting each tuber in a wire mesh cage, but if you are averse to using traps then you are left with repellents such as garlic. It is frustrating for you, I sympathise.
You can actually plant your tubers in 2 gallon or larger plastic pots underground. I just read about it in my new Dahlia book. You keep the lip of the pot above ground. The wire mesh basket is also a great idea.
Thanks Michelle, yes most Dahlias are ok in pots, above or below ground. I'm not sure that would have much impact on the slug problem as they can simply crawl over the rim, or is there more to it?
I hate slugs and snails. I have a big garden full of things for them to munch on but no they have to have the emerging shoots of my perennials. Grrrrrrrr!
Hi Tammie, yes frustrating isn't it. Nematodes are pretty helpful once the soil conditions are right for them, but they are so expensive. Good luck with yours.
@@MoorfieldFarmFlowers I have found a method of control that is not for the squeamish. Lay a flattened cardboard box on the ground and wet it lightly. The slugs and snails will sleep under it during the day making it easy to dispose of them as you see fit.
Muy buen huerto
Last year many of my tubers were eaten by some kind of rodent. Do you have any suggestions how to prevent it this yer? Also what size pots did you start yours in?
Hi Julie thanks for your question. I presume you mean after planting? I would want to identify the pest maybe using an Infrared Wildlife camera, they are not expensive and it's fascinating to view the night footage. It is difficult to ensure protection without for example putting each tuber in a wire mesh cage, but if you are averse to using traps then you are left with repellents such as garlic. It is frustrating for you, I sympathise.
You can actually plant your tubers in 2 gallon or larger plastic pots underground. I just read about it in my new Dahlia book. You keep the lip of the pot above ground. The wire mesh basket is also a great idea.
Thanks Michelle, yes most Dahlias are ok in pots, above or below ground. I'm not sure that would have much impact on the slug problem as they can simply crawl over the rim, or is there more to it?
Will the dahlias nobbled by slugs recover?
Hi Betty, yes they usually come back pretty well, although maybe some deformity if the growing tip is badly damaged. Hope yours are good!
@@MoorfieldFarmFlowers phew, thanks. Only one got a bit chomped.
I hate slugs and snails. I have a big garden full of things for them to munch on but no they have to have the emerging shoots of my perennials. Grrrrrrrr!
Hi Tammie, yes frustrating isn't it. Nematodes are pretty helpful once the soil conditions are right for them, but they are so expensive. Good luck with yours.
Here in the US we use Sluggo plus sprinkled around the base of each plant and I’ve never had a problem since
Thanks Michelle, yes Sluggo is the best of the bait products as it is organic and harmless to most wildlife and pets. Thanks for you useful comment.
@@MoorfieldFarmFlowers I have found a method of control that is not for the squeamish. Lay a flattened cardboard box on the ground and wet it lightly. The slugs and snails will sleep under it during the day making it easy to dispose of them as you see fit.