Your questions answered :-This weeks answers :-
Q. I used Nemaslug 5 weeks ago and it has been very successful, so I want to know when to re-apply (I think you suggest 6 weeks) and whether it is worth staring a programme now?
A. Nemaslug controls for 6 weeks so as you suspected you should be looking to re-apply in a weeks time. If you start a 3 pack programmee now it will keep you protected from slugs until the end of the year i.e. if we send the 1st pack next week, you will get the rest w/c 05/08 and finally w/c 16/09. Visit Nemaslug Slug Killer to find out more.
Q. Hi, I am interested in buying ladybirds but I noticed the disclaimer saying that you can't send living organisms to Ireland (I'm in Galway), so I am just wondering if there is any way to buy them as our trees are absolutely crawling with aphids?
A. We cannot send ladybirds ready for release to Ireland as they are too perishable and the post takes too long – sorry. You could have a go at raising your own as the kit breeding kit refill will survive in the post as they are shipped with food but the larvae are very small so you would need to grow them on a bit and then release them or let them develop into adults. We are currently developing a page for Republic of Ireland customers which includes the extra postage - CLICK HERE
Q. I have strawberries in planters in my greenhouse and last year the leaves were all destroyed and I never found the culprits! They are now being eaten again and I have just found caterpillars attached to the leaves, so what I can do to get rid of them. Additionally, I just watered the top of the planter and there were a large number of flies that came up! Is there anything else you can suggest that would help?
A. We have a nematode product called Grow Your Own which contains a mixture of nematodes which will control BOTH caterpillars and Sciarid Fly (the small black flies in the compost) – just spray it all over the strawberries making sure you get under the leaves and then into the top of the pots and it will cure both of these pests – CLICK HERE to find out more about Grow Your Own.
Q. Our ladybirds and larvae have arrived today - very exciting. Just one question - it is quite windy and showery at the moment, so is it OK to put them out on the plants in this weather?
A. Our ladybirds are native so they are used to our weather, so unless it is torrential rain, please go ahead and release them as they will be fine. CLICK HERE to find out more about releasing Ladybirds.
Most popular previously asked questions
Q. Do you have anything to help rose cultivation, and especially to act against black spot?
A. we have Sulphur Rose for controlling Blackspot naturally - CLICK HERE to find out more. We also have organic rose food – CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. We have a large garden of approximately 12 acres including a 1 acre walled kitchen garden full of vegetables and fruit. The slugs are an absolute menace. I assume Nemaslug is organic and can be used on growing vegetables ? With regard to the amount of Nemaslug we require please can you advise.
A. Nemaslug is organic and can be used on all edible crops. It is not practical to use Nemaslug on your whole garden or even the veg garden, so you need to decide how big an area you want to protect and then order accordingly i.e. use it to protect a hosta bed, or salad crops or where you have a particular problem. The Saver Pack treats 300 sqm (3 x Large packs treating 100 sqm each) and with the area you have I suspect you will want at least 3 and then you can treat certain areas. Click this link to order Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. I have a climbing rose which is infested with aphids. I would like to get some ladybirds to see if it helps clear the problem, but I'm a bit concerned that there will not be enough food for them. I have a yard with other plants in it and a small garden but i don't know how much vegetation they need to survive on?
A. Aphids are fast breeders so there will be plenty of food for them, plus they will then eat any soft bodied pests, so again there will be plenty of food for them. The ladybird larvae are best for a climbing rose with aphids on – CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. Am I too late in the year to try and sort red ants out?
A. Conditions are perfect for applying Nemasys no Ants i.e. the soil is nice and warm, so it would be an ideal time to try and clear them. We supply Nemasys No ants between April and September for use outdoors – please visit. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. I would like to order some ladybirds, but I wonder how long they will take to be delivered.
A. Our ladybirds are in great demand and we only a set number available each week, so we allocate them on a 1st come 1st served basis, so if you do not get them within a few days you will be top of the list for following week.
Q. I have a 10 x 8 cedar greenhouse and I do not like using sprays to get rid of greenfly on Fuschia's etc, is this a suitable setting for ladybirds or the or larva?
A. You can use ladybird larvae as a one off emergency clean up of the aphids if they are bad (CLICK HERE to find out more) or if the aphids have just started then use Aphidius to give on-going control - CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. I would like to order caterpillar refill - if I specify a particular date of delivery e.g. on a Saturday?
A. The caterpillars are despatched by 1st class post on Tuesdays and Fridays, but we are very busy, so as long as you give us at least a weeks notice you can have delivery on a specified Weds or Saturday. Click this link to find out more about Butterfly Kits.
Q. Does Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer harm anything else in the soil (e.g. worms) or just the vine weevil grubs?
A. Nemasys is totally safe for everything else – it will not harm, children, pets, wildlife, worms and is safe to use on edible crops. Click this link to find out more about treating with Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer.
Q. Can you tell me in your opinion, do ladybirds or their larvae eat thrips and spidermite?
A. Ladybird larvae will eat both thrips and spidermite but they do not do well underglass and I suspect if you are asking about these pests now it must be underglass? If it is you should use specific predators for both these pests i.e. use Ambleyseius for thrip (CLICK HERE to find out more) and use Phytoseiulus to control spider mite (CLICK HERE to find out more).
Q. I wish to purchase 3 large packs of nemaslugs as a programme but do not want the first delivery to arrive until early May. They are specifically for my potato crop on an allotment which means I am more concerned to contol the undergroung keel slug when the tubers start to grow. Do I need to wait to order these as I could see no way on your website of specifying when I wanted my programme to start.
A. I can organise any dates for you, so either order a programme online, select TBA from the delivery instructions and then email me the order number (which you will get by email GG?????????), the dates and I will organise it or ring us on 01493 750061 and we can take the order the old fashioned way – pen and paper at the ready. Click this link to order Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. I have a lot of problems with small black flies on my indoor plants despite heating up the soil in the microwave before using in my pots - this delays their arrival but last year it was so bad I had to put the plants in the garage. I think that they may be Sciarid fly? Is your treament safe on plants like tomatoes, chillies and peppers?
A. It is Sciarid Fly and our nematode treatment is the answer, which is totally safe to use on food crops i.e. tomatoes, chillies and peppers. CLICK HERE to find out more about Sciarid Nematodes
Q. I permanently have whitefly on an established bougainvillea in the conservatory. I tend not to get whitefly on anything else though. Although my conservatory is heated, with these exceptionally cold nights at the moment, it probably drops as low as 8 degrees, but stays above 10 degrees and is indeed between 17 and 20 during the day. If you think this is okay, then please send Encarsia now.
A. The night-time temps don’t really affect them, so with good daytime temperatures and Whitefly already present, you are fine to introduce them now. I will send the 1st lot this week with 3 more lots following at 7 day intervals. Click this link to find out more about controlling Whitefly with Encarsia
Q. I have badgers digging up my lawn and I have been told they are probably after chafer grubs, so 2 questions - how do I stop badgers digging and how do I get rid of the grubs?
A. I am getting lots of calls about badgers so I suspect it was a bad year for chafer grubs and there are lots about and the badgers are digging up the lawn after them. We have a nematode treatment call Nemasys Chafer Grub Killer to cure your lawn of chafer grubs, but that cannot be applied to August (CLICK HERE to find out more about Chafer Grub Killer). In the meantime, it is best to use NiteEyes to keep the badgers away from the lawn until you can treat - CLICK HERE to find out more about NiteEyes.
Q. I have an infestation of whitefly in the greenhouse. I grow lettuce and parsley in it. Would there be any point in releasing ladybirds to get rid of the whitefly.
A. The best solution to Whitefly in a greenhouse is Encarsia. Click this link to find out more about controlling Whitefly with Encarsia
Q. Is it too late to position a camera bird box and get visitors this spring?
A. We recommend positioning houses by the end of Feb, but I have positioned houses in April before and they have been used, so try and do it before the end of the month if you can. Click this link to find out more about Camera Bird Boxes.
Q. I’m looking for a natural product to help with leaf curl aphids on my plum and cherry trees. Is your Winter Wash the best product for this.
A. As you suspected you should use Winter Wash now to clear any over-wintering pests (CLICK HERE to find out more) and then if the aphids appear in the spring / summer, release ladybird larvae to stop them getting out of control – CLICK HERE to find out more about ladybird larvae.
Q. Doubtless you will be aware of the news about Spanish Slugs - therefore can you advise me as a customer of yours whether the nematodes you supply will be effective against these and how much would I need to treat a 180meters square garden? I have many rare flowers in my garden grown from seed over the years and would hate to lose them.
A. We are aware of these Spanish slugs (Arion vulgaris) and Nemaslug will work against them, but it is more effective when the slugs are young. The bigger the slug the harder it is for Nemaslug to affect them, so it is important to apply Nemaslug AS SOON as the soil temp is 5c. A Large pack will treat 100 sqm and it kills slugs for 6 weeks once applied, so you would need 2 to treat 180 sqm and each large pack costs £24.25, BUT you only need to treat borders, veg gardens etc - you do not need to treat lawns, patios etc. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. I read with much interest about the use of ladybirds to control aphids, which plagued my cherry tree last year. I also have an ant problem, which farm the aphids for the honeydew. Due to the presence of ants does this mean that the use of ladybirds would be ineffective.
A. One of the new products for this year is hessian release bags for releasing ladybird larvae into trees to combat aphids in trees. The ants are attracted to the honeydew that the aphids produce, so you need to place a glue band around the tree BEFORE the ants start producing honeydew to block their access and then release ladybird larvae in the spring. I will be adding the new ladybird larvae and release sacks to the website in the next couple of weeks, so please take a look. Click this link to find out more about Glue Bands.
Q. My roses suffered with Blackspot dreadfully las year and I think I should treat now before new foliage appears - is this right and is there something natural I can use?
A. Sulphur Rose is the natural amswer to Blackspot and you should spray now BEFORE the foliage appears (spray the stems and ground around the plants) and then monthly once the foliage appears. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I discovered vine weevil in my pot plants - should I treat NOW!!!!!!!!
A. You should treat AS SOON as the daytime soil temps are 5c and then treat at least TWICE more i.e. in last March and September. N.B. You should treat more often if vine weevil is bad in your garden or your garden is very sheltered i.e. treat 4 times. Click this link to find out more about treating with Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer.
Q. I have a red spider mite problem with my lemon tree. I just wanted to check if it is a suitable time of year to use Phytoseiulus. It lives indoors over winter, which means that it's kept nice and warm (probably too warm) due to the central heating. Does that mean that I can use the Phytoseiulus now?
A. Phyto needs a daytime temp of 16c, so it can be used all year round indoors i.e. you will be fine to introduce it now. Click this link to find out more about controlling Red Spider Mite with Phytoseiulus.
Q. I have been looking at the fox repellent powder - can you tell me if it is safe to use around chickens? If they accidently eat or get the powder on them will this be harmful?
A. All of our repellents including the fox repellent are safe to use around chickens and it will not hurt them if they eat any. Click this link to find out more about fox repellent.
Q. I am looking for an environmentally friendly way for dealing with woolly aphids. Is there anything I can do, apart from washing them off?
A. The best way to deal with woolly aphids is during the dormant season i.e. now, to prune and then spray with winter wash to get rid of as many over-wintering pests as possible and then next year, introduce ladybird larvae into the tree in June / July time to take care of any newly developing aphids. Click this link to find out more about WinterWash.
Q. Please could you advise me on whether the garlic candle will work against powdery mildew.
A. Biofume is more for insect pests, so it will not work against powdery mildew. The answer is to spray your plants with PM Powdery Mildew Treatment. Click this link to find out more about PM Powdery Mildew Spray.
Q. I've got some of your Citrox disinfectant and I'd love to know if it suitable to use on my plastic hen house (prior to it being inhabited and afterwards).
A. Citrox natural disinfectant is ideal for cleaning a plastic hen house and is totally safe for chickens - the RSPB even recommend it for cleaning bird feeders. Click this link to find out more about Citrox natural disinfectant.
Q. I keep hearing about Mycorrhizal Fungi (Monty Don was using them on Gardeners World) but how do it use them?
A. Adding Mycorrhizal Fungi when planting new shrubs, roses and trees will cause a huge secondary root system to develop along side the plant's own roots, which will supply nutrients and water to the plant ensuring rapid plant establishment. Simply dig the planting hole and sprinkle 20g of Vaminox in the bottom. Place the plant in the hole directly on top of the granules and backfill as normal. Mycorrhizal Fungi act like a permanent fertiliser & ensure rapid plant establishment. Click this link to find out more about Mycorrhizal Fungi.
Q. I am currently looking after a large greenhouse and I have an infestation of both spider mite and powdery mildew. I have the SB invigorator and PM clockwork powdery mildew treatment that you sell, but want to introduce the phytoseiulus mites to control the SM. My questions to you is can I continue to spray the powdery mildew if the predatory mites are there or will it kill them?
A. You are fine to continue spraying with the PM Clockwork Mildew Treatment once you have introduced the Phyto. You can spray with SB Invigorator up until you introduce the phyto but stop this one once the Phyto are released. As it is a large greenhouse, you should introduce as many phyto as possible to get on top of the problem as quickly as possible. Click this link to find out more about controlling Red Spider Mite with Phytoseiulus.
Q. Would you please tell me whether your garlic greenhouse candle will kill the fungal spores of tomato blight which decimated my tomatoes in the greenhouse this year ?
A. Garlic Candles are more for insect pests, so it will not cure tomato blight. The answer is to remove the plants and destroy them and then disinfect the greenhouse with Citrox (our natural disinfectant). Click this link to find out more about Citrox.
Q. Do you have any solutions to badgers, Not the usual pest in a garden I know, but they seem to be invading the vegetable plots!
A. We do 2 products to repel badgers - The Pestclear Outdoors and Niteyes. Click this link to find out more about Repelling Badgers
Q. I have just ordered 2 of the garlic candles to try in my greenhouses. Have I read it right that plants can be in them when the candles are lit? I have used sulphur candles before and I know everything has to be out.
A. One of the advantages with the Garlic Candles is that you do NOT need to remove the plants, so you are safe to go ahead – just give the plants a good water as per the instructions. Click this link to find out more about Garlic candles.
Q. We have introduced Phytoseilus to control red spider mite, but now the aphids are getting out of control. Are the any pesticides that can be used that won’t kill of the Phytoseilus?
A. Any pesticide will affect the phyto, so you can either spray with a natural spray (we recommend Sb Invigorator) - just spray the tips where the aphids are and it will not affect the phyto or the other option is to introduce an aphid predator i.e. aphidius and / or aphidoletes. Click this link to find out Aphidius and Aphidoletes
Q. We've had a real problem this year with wireworm in our potatoes. I've dug them all up now (more than half were useless) and am wondering whether to buy and apply your nematodes for wireworm now (too late for this year's crop obviously) or wait until May, soon after we've planted next season's potatoes.
A. Due to the extended lifecycle of wireworms they are not the easiest pest to clear, so you should apply the wirworm nematodes whenever you spot them and the soil is warm enough, so if they are there now, I would treat now and kill as many as you can before the winter. Then as soon as they appear again in the spring and the soil is warm enough i.e. in May as you suggest treat again. Click this link to find out Wireworm Nematodes
Q. You supply the phyto predator mite to control Red Spider Mite but I want to kill poultry red mite. Do you know if they will work?
A. I do not have any experience of using our Phytoseiulus to control poultry mite myself, but I know some of our customers do use it successfully, so please have a go and let m eknow how you get on. Click this link to find out more about controlling Red Spider Mite with Phytoseiulus.
Q. I would like to order nematodes for lawn flea irradication as I understand you have this product. Please let me know what to order, how to pay, and price asap?
A. You can use Steinernema Carpocapsae nematodes to control fleas in lawns, but as it is not a big problem in the UK they have never been marketed over here for this purpose. They are used on a regular basis in the US and we do stock these nematodes as we use them to control caterpillars. I have got a couple of other customers who are trying them as they have a big flea problem. The nematodes cost £24.99 and this is for 3 sachets of nematodes which are applied to the SAME 50 sqm area at 7 day intervals i.e. you can treat up to 50 sqm of lawn each time and you will repeat the treatment 3 times at 7 day intervals to make sure you get all the developing stages of flea. If you want to have a go, please call me on 01394 420087 as it is not available online yet.
Q. I’m looking for the most effective way to control ant nests in our lawn. They are red, orange and back ants and I have noticed with the wet weather our lawn is getting a number of bald patches. Is there anything that is safe, actually works and will not harm children, pets or chickens at the same time?
A. We supply Nemasys No Ants to control ants of all colours in lawns and borders and it is totally safe for children, pets, wildlife and chickens. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys No Ants
Q. My roses seem to be affected by blackspot as well as greenfly. Is there any problem with spraying with a fungicide in conjunction with the ladybirds or do you have any suggestions as to how to get rid of this disease.
A. You must not use a chemical fungicide as this will harm ladybirds and lacewings. We have a natural sulphur based fungicide which will not harm ladybirds and lacewings called Sulphur Rose. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. I am interested in purchasing some of your Biodegradable Weedkiller but can you let me know if it is safe for birds to feed from around the areas I have treated?
A. It is safe to use Biodegradable weedkiller in areas that birds feed. Rain does not re-activate it, so even if it rains it is still safe - this type of weedkiller is taken up by the weed and works from the inside out. Click this link to find out more about Biodegradable Weedkiller
Q. Do I need a certain type of worms to re-start a wormery I have just been given.
A. 250g of our standard composting worms are ideal for re-starting a wormery - Click this link to find out more about Composting Worms
Q. Hi I’m on your website and see that the Nemasys lawn ant powder goes on and on about been pet and child friendly which is what attracted me to the site. However ours are ‘indoors’ in the walls, brickwork and under the cabinets in the kitchen so the DE 2 X 100g puffer bottles are what I think I’m looking at, but is it still pet friendly?
A. DE is totally safe for pets, in fact it can be used to treat them for fleas i.e. you just brush it through their coats. The other way to get rind of ants in the house is to plug in a Pest-stop whole house repeller - Click this link to find out more about Diatomaceous Earth and the Pest Stop.
Q. I heard on a gardening programme that sheeps wool pellets protect hostas and delphiniums from slug damage. Do you have experience of this and, if so do you stock it?
A. We have been supplying wool pellets for years, which are applied to your borders to form a mulch which not only stops slugs but also suppresses weeds and helps maintain moisture. The product is called slug buggers - Click this link to find out more about our Slug Buggers.
Q. Have just found Vine weavil in compost of a large 5ft bowl and it has attacked my heuchera collection. I propose to repot plants and keep them safe from further damage. Do you still have VW nematodes available and if I drench the infested compost may I replant in it or should I dispose of compost and replace entirely with fresh? I have never had VW before.
A. We have Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer available all year round as vine weevil grubs can be discovered at anytime especially in south facing / sheltered gardens. If you treat the compost then you are safe to use it again, but you will need to treat again in September just in case any new eggs have been laid during the summer. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer.
Q. Where should I apply Nemaslug? Beds? Lawns? Woodland garden? I have over half-an-acre of garden in all, and can't apply it everywhere, but I do have a big problem with slugs.
A. You need to treat the soil (not lawn, patio etc) where the plants you want to protect are growing. You can even just protect patches of border where vulnerable plants are growing i.e. protect a patch of hostas by watering all around them creating an exclusion zone. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. Can Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer and the slug one be used to treat the same area?
A. They can be used to treat the same area, but I would apply them one after the other rather than mixing them together because you will want to apply them in different ways i.e. Nemaslug is applied to the surface where as Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer should be applied to the rootballs of the plants. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer.
Q. I have just spotted that the bougainvillea in our conservatory has lots of greenfly. I have a heater in there that keeps the conservatory frost free, but its far from warm! Ive never had them at this time of year before. Is there anything I can introduce to get rid of them that could cope with such conditions?
A. You can introduce Aphidius (our natural aphid predator) as soon as the daytime temp reaches 10c / 50f. If it is not warm enough then use SB Invigorator spray to stop the aphids getting out of control until it is. Do you know what the daytime temperature is in the conservatory (night time temp is less important)? Click this link to find out more about Aphidius Aphid Control.
Q. I bought a ladybird house last year and some ladybirds and they have been brilliant. I'm now looking at buying the butterfly house and the butterfly pavilion to go with it, so we can release some butterflies in the garden. I would like to plant some flowers to attract the butterflies and bees, but my husband doesn’t want me to plant flowers in the garden, so has suggested we have hanging baskets either side of the butterfly house. My query is would it be ok to plant the seeds in one of your hanging flower bags?
A. As you suspect, hanging bags and baskets really need to be planted with plug plants and are not suitable for growing seeds in - sorry. Hanging bags or baskets planted with butterfly friendly plants is a great idea but I would buy plug plants of species like sage, marjoram, violets, asters, verbena, dianthus and pincushion and use these as they are well know to attract butterflies. Butterflies also love herbs PLUS if you grow these in your bags/ baskets you can use them in your cooking as well. Please let me know how you get on and if you decide to try and plant some up for butterflies, please send us some pictures.
Q. Can you please advise on a current problem, namely fungus gnats? There was an infestation in the summer and I hadn't realised until the damned things had killed some of my plants. I have never come across these things before, and had no idea how destructive they could be. I need to be able to use a killer on my herb seedlings as well as pot plants.
A. Sciarid Fly is a very destructive pest but we do have a nematode treatment which is safe to use on herbs. Click this link to find out more about Sciarid Fly Nematodes.
Q. I have an infestation of whitefly in the greenhouse. I grow lettuce and parsley in it. Would there be any point in releasing ladybirds to get rid of the whitefly and if so when will they be available?
A. The best solution to Whitefly in a greenhouse is Encarsia. Click this link to find out more about controlling Whitefly with Encarsia. Ladybirds should be released to control outdoor pests and are avaiable from mid May onwards.
Q. Can you tell me if the Nematodes would still work if the containers have previously been treated with insecticide (Provado)? I have a site that is having problems with Sciarid flies and the client is demanding we use insecticide now rather than wait a few more days for the Nematodes to arrive. Will that be a problem?
A. Provado will NOT affect the nematodes, so you are free to go ahead and treat with them first.
Q. I'd like to buy the Nemaslug programme (it's a brilliant idea) but I'm going to be away on some of the likely delivery weeks. Is it possible to give you dates to avoid so the nematodes don't die waiting for me to return?
A. There is no problem with altering any of the dates - just order from the website, select TBA from the delivery instructions and then email us the order number (which will be on the confirmation email) and the delivery dates you require. Or please feel free to call us on 01493 750061 and we will can take the order (and the delivery instructions) the old fashioned way - pen and paper at the ready. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug programmes.
Q. I reading the latest newsletter and wondered whether the Winter wash for fruit trees would help with a problem I have on my crab apple tree which gets infested each year with ants. What do you think please?
A. Ants in fruit trees is a common problem, but the ants are not attacking the tree - they are after the honeydew produced by aphids. The ants are an indication that you have a aphid problem in your fruit tree, so spray with a winter wash now to kill any over-wintering aphids and then keep an eye out for aphids later in the year. You should also wrap a glue band around the trunk of the tree to stop the ants as well - this is a very old and very effective way of controlling pests which crawl up the tree including ants. Click this link to find out more about Winter Wash and click this link to find out more about Glue Bands.
Q. I often get frogs in my greenhouse and do not want to harm them in any way, so can you tell me if the Garlic candle is suitable to use in my greenhouse?
A. Garlic Candles will not harm frogs, so you are safe to go ahead and use them. Click this link to find out more about Garlic candles.
Q. I was just wondering how long it takes for the Sulphur Lawn to work - I watered it on yesterday. I did the lawn test and the colour result for my lawn is really dark green.
A. It needs to turn the lawn acidic i.e. pH 5-6, so it will work quicker for someone with a neutral or slightly acidic lawn than for someone with an alkaline lawn - unfortunately yours is very alkaline. You will need to re-apply several times to get the pH down and then the worms will move away. Leave it 2 weeks and then take the pH again and then you should see an improvement. You will then need to repeat this process at 2 monthly intervals until the required pHof 5-6 is achieved. The good news is once the lawn is acidic, it should stay that way with just a maintenance application yearly. Click this link to find out more about Sulphur Lawn Wormcast Control.
Q. Could you please confirm whether the wall mounted water butt can be mounted either side of the down pipe i.e. can the diverter be fitted to the left or right side of the butt. Does the price include all the fittings and diverter required?
A. The divertor, wall fixings and brackets are all included and the divertor can be fitted to either side of the butt, so you can position it either side of the downpipe. Click this link to find out more about The Wall Waterbutt.
Q. My bay trees are riddled with what I believe are Vine Weevil. The bay trees are in pots and I have been treating the soil with a a chemical designed for getting rid of these pests, the chemical is a thick white liquid that is diluted with water. The issue has been on-going with the bay trees for two years and I now see first signs of damage on a few leaves of some other plants. Do you think that by treating the leaves as opposed to the soil I may cure the problem?
A. You need to kill the grubs in the soil rather than treat the leaves. I have other customers that have successfully treated vine weevils in bay trees with our Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer - CLICK HERE to see a testimonial about treating bay trees. If you are going to try our treatment you need to be doing it sooner rather than later.
Q. I have hundreds of wasps attacking the plums on my trees and I have heard of the Waspinator - is this the answer to my prayers.
A. The Waspinator will repel wasps around garden tables, barbacues, in loft spaces etc, but it will NOT stop wasps attacking your trees. It is best to trap the wasps in a Wasp Bane Wasp Trap. You must capture 100% of the wasps, otherwise they will return with re-inforcements. We recommend the Waspbane Wasp Trap. Click this link to find out more about the Waspbane Wasp Trap.
Q. Can I use Nemasys No Ants in the vegetable/ strawberry beds?
A. No Ants is totally safe to use in vegetable / strawberry beds. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys No Ants.
Q. We are a bird rescue centre and are having problems with ratties chewing their way in to the aviaries. We do not want to kill them or cause them pain but we desperately need to do something to stop the damage. There are so many products on the market its difficult to know which to choose without having to spend a lot of money.
A. I had the same problem with rats chewing their way into wooden outhouses and I found Ratty Rat Repellent powder worked the best. It does smell very strong, so only use it around the outside of the aviaries to repel the rats without harming them. Click this link to find out more about rat repellent.
Q. Is Grazers for plant protection from rabbits considered to satisfy organic standards? And do any precautions have to be taken if using it on vegetables?
A. Grazers is Organic and can be used on vegetables. Click this link to find out more about Grazers.
Q. Any idea how to discourage squirrels from demolishing the garden? First they tasted hundreds of unripe apples, splintering the rejects on the lawn, but now the whole prolific tree is denuded, they have proceeded to the hollyhocks, as in previous years. These will keep them fed until the plum season, then it will be the bulbs.
A. We do have a squirrel repellent powder, which will work in small areas or use a Pestclear Outdoors ultrasonic repeller which on setting 1 will repel squirrels for larger areas. Click this link to find out more about squirrel repellent.
Q. I am growing runner beans in tubs on my patio, but they are being absolutely shredded by snails. Can you sell me something to deal with them please?
A. The best thing to keep snails out of tubs is copper snail tape. You will need to remove any snails already in the tub first otherwise you will just trap them in, but once the tubs are clear and the self adhesive tape is in place, it forms a barrier snails will not cross. Click this link to find out more about Copper Snail Tape.
Q. We have a problem with ants in our front garden - it's most noticeable in the block paving, as they leave little piles of sand, but they are also in the borders and the lawns. I see that Nemasys no ants can be used on lawns and borders, but it doesn't mention block paving.
A. Ant nematodes need to be watered into the soil where the ant nests are. If they are nesting in the cracks in the block paving then I would recommend using Diatomaceous Earth (a natural ant powder) which is ideal for using on hard surfaces as it can be "squirted" into the cracks etc. Click this link to find out more about Diatomaceous Earth
Q. I have a problem with ants in the greenhouse building their nests through the roots of my pepper plants. I notice that you sell Nemasys ant killer. Would this this be suitable and safe for use on vegetables especially peppers.
A. Nemasys No Ants would work well as long as the ants are nesting around the roots of your peppers as the nematodes do need to be watered into the nests. Nemasys No Ants is totally safe to use around peppers PLUS ALL fruit and veg. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys No Ants.
Q. I have been using Sulphur Rose since the dormant season and the roses are looking really healthy. Please can you tell me will Sulphur Rose also treat any greenfly I might get later on or do I need something else?
A. Sulphur Rose controls blackspot, mildew etc, but not aphids i.e. greenfly. To control greenfly introduce ladybirds or spray them with our natural spray SB Invigorator. Click this link to find out more about Ladybirds. Click this link to find out more about SB Invigorator.
Q. I have saw fly on gooseberries every year and it has started already. I am outside every morning clearing the little green caterpillars off and then again at night time. I need the control immediately, but your website says that you will not send it out until May. Is there anyway that I can order this product and have it sent know.
A. If the caterpillars are already present then you should start treating ASAP. It is normally mid May when they start, but I suspect the warm weather has brought them out early. Please go ahead and order, and then email me the order number on the confirmation email (GG??????????) and request delivery ASAP and I will send it straight away. Click this link to find out more about controlling Gooseberry Sawfly.
Q. My scented geraniums and begonias in the conservatory are suffering from aphids already. I see that ladybirds are available from May onwards and also there is only mention of using them outdoors. What would you recommend for this problem in the conservatory?
A. Ladybirds will not work underglass, so we use Aphidius and / or Aphidoletes to control aphids underglass. There are lots of aphids around already due to the warm weather we have been having, so if you have already spotted them, introduce the aphidius and / or aphidoletes as soon as possible. Click this link to find out more about controlling aphids underglass.
Q. I'm interested in your copper-based products to protect our raised bed against its annual infestation of snails. My original idea was to put tape along the top edge of the wooden sides but the beasties might get in from underneath or through nooks and crannies. If so, should I use the rings/bands around individual plants?
A. Snails are unlikely to come up through the bottom - they will normally crawl up the sides, so I think your original idea of snail tape around the bed is the best and I do know a number of customers have protected raised beds successfully using this method. If there are lots of gaps for them to access the bed then the rings/bands will be more effective. Click this link to find out more about Copper Snail Tape.
Q. Every february/march, we have an onslaught of ants which drives me crazy. I have tried everything, including a type of chalk available in south africa which is poisonous and the ants are not meant to cross....perhaps they are smarter in s. africa? they cross in london. I have read about diatomaceous earth. sounds best so far. We need to do 2 areas (front and back), driveway and terrace. area, so which size to go for? 2 x 100g bottles or the 1 kg size?
A. DE is the answer - it is used in the same way as ant powder but being natural it is chemical free. You will need the 1KG to treat that area and leave you enough to re-apply as needed to keep them at bay. Click this link to find out more about Diatomaceous Earth.
Q. I am looking for a way of preventing both foxes and cats from using my newly acquired vegetable plots as their toilets. I have a cat who uses his indoor litter tray so not keen on anything ultrasonic. Are the powders or sticks safe to use around vegetables?
A. We do have 2 new cat and fox repellent powders which is safe to use around vegetables. Click this link to find out more about cat and fox repellent powders.
Q. We have a 3 foot lime tree and 4 foot orange tree in our conservatory and both trees have brown scales on the backs of their leaves. Many of the leaves of both trees are sticky, the sticky substance has gone mouldy on some of the leaves. The garden is totally organic but we didn't know what to do with the trees so I'm sorry to say we took the orange tree outside and gave it a good spray with an insecticide. It didn't make any difference and I would be very grateful for your advice.
A. The pest your trees are suffering from is scale. It is very insecticidal resistant which is why your spray has not worked. We supply both a natural spray (SB Invigorator) and a nematode treatment which are very effective at controlling scale. With a heavy infestation like yours, I would suggest spraying first with SB Invigorator and then treating with the nematodes. Click this link to find out more about Scale Nematodes.
Q. I bought two Garlic Candles and it's clear from the instructions that the fumes treat the plants, but will the treatment get rid of lingering pests in the greenhouse. Is this wrong? I have just cleared the greenhouse ready to sow salads etc for the autumn/winter. Is there any point in using the biofume now or should I just hang onto them until next year?
A. The garlic candles are for treating the greenhouse to clear any pests but unlike nasty sulphur candles the plants do not need to be removed before treatment. They are ideal for using now i.e. before the winter and in the spring to clear out the pests before the spring, so go ahead and use them to clear any pests present form the summer i.e. red spider mite, aphids etc. Click this link to find out more about Garlic candles.
Q. My friend lives in Kendal and the rabbits keep eating all her garden plants. Is there anything she can do to stop them or certain type of plants that they do not like.This is proving to be very expensive.
A. There are no rabbitproof plants, but there is natural treatment called Grazers which you spray on and it stops grazing animals (including rabbits) from ruining the plants. Click this link to find out more about Grazers.
Q. I have ordered some phytoseiulus for my poly tunnel. Do you think this treatment would work on the spider mites in my hen hut?
A. I have heard of people controlling mites in hen houses with phyto but I do not have any experience - sorry. Phytoseiulus is totally safe to use around chickens, so if you decide to have a go please let me know how you get on.
Q. I am plagued by earwigs this year and eating everything in sight. Any remedies for getting rid of them will be gratefully received.
A. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) will control earwigs. Click this link to find out more about Diatomaceous Earth.
Q. I’ve just ordered this (organic lawn food) and would welcome your advice. Surrounding our pond is lawn, and I am always nervous about feeding my lawn, in case it damages the fish. I would welcome any advice on any feed for the lawn without causing any damage to the pond.
A. Our natural lawn feed will have no adverse on aquatic life, but as good practise we always recommend leaving a 1m exclusion zone around the pond to be on the safe side. Click this link to find out more about Organic Lawn Food.
Q. Our first use of Nemaslug had excellent results - no slugs on strawberries or cabbages. Am thinking of using your 'planned programme', but have now thoroughly strawed up the strawberries. For Nemaslug to be effective, do I have to remove/move aside the straw when applying?
A. The straw is course enough that it will not filter out the nemaslug, so you can water through it. Water first, apply the nematodes and then wash the nematodes through the straw with fresh water. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. My friend is having a naming ceremony for her 3 young children and I would like to purchase a butterfly kit for them to share. Can you advise on the best one and what it includes?
A. We do 2 different Butterfly Breeding Kits, which contain everything you need to breed your own butterflies. The Butterfly Garden comes with a voucher for 5 caterpillars and the Butterfly Pavilion is slightly larger and comes with a voucher for 10 caterpillars. Click this link to find out more about the Butterfly Garden and Pavilion.
Q. I saw a slug product a couple of years ago that was safe for hedgehogs etc, but it could not be used on food plants. Is your product safe to use on food plants?
A. Nemaslug is totally safe for children, pets and wildlife and is totally safe to use on food crops. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. I have a Virginia creeper growing on a trellis but alot of ants have colonized it. What is going on?
A. The ants are probably milking aphids, so try checking the creeper for aphids i.e. check the growing tips. If you find aphids then treat them by releasing ladybirds and that should stop the ants. Click this link to find out more about Ladybirds.
Q. I've ordered the full course of encarsia and had a delivery today. Should I use ALL the cards in the pack and expect further postal deliveries over the next weeks, or do I keep cards back myself for a further 'delivery' in 2 weeks time?
A. You will get 4 separate deliveries (at 7 day intervals) and you use ALL the cards each time. You will find 5 cards in each delivery and these should be hung in the lower leaves of the plants at regular intervals. Click this link to find out more about Encarsia Whitefly Control.
Q. Are your ladybirds British and not the Harlequin variety? I should like to be certain before I recommend you!
A. We only supply native British 2 spot ladybirds.
Q. Hi Jonathan, could you tell me if the nemaslug will also rid me of my snail problem?
A. We supply Nemaslug as a Slug control, BUT alot of gardeners who use it regularly say it reduces snail numbers aswell but it does take a while. If you want a sure fire way of controlling snails you must use the physical trap methods or you can repel snails from pots using snail tape. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. With reference to Diatomaceous Earth (DE) can you please confirm that it is safe to use around food crops and where children may be playing.
A. DE is safe to use around a veg and where children will be playing. Click this link to find out more about Diatomaceous Earth.
Q. Could you tell me whether Clarity Pro is safe to use in a pond used by ducks and from which chickens drink?
A. Clarity Pro is a natural product, so it is safe for ducks and chickens. Click this link to find out more about Clarity Pro.
Q. Can you expand on the food eaten by the worms in a wormery i.e. what cannot go in and do you have to have enough waste put aside to fill the tray at least one third to get started then add worms or or do you fill a whole layer and then add worms.
A. The worms will eat most cooked and uncooked food leftovers including veg peelings, rice, pasta, bread, pizza etc, but avoid citrus, onions and banana skins. You can also add kitchen roll, vacuum cleaner dust, toilet roll inners, dog hair etc. You only need a couple of days worth of kitchen waste in the first tray to start. Click this link to find out more about wormeries.
Q. We appear to have the roots of some of our plants being eaten, by what seem to be chafer grubs. Do you have a nematodes that will deal with them?
A. We do nematodes for Chafer Grubs, but Chafer Grubs are normally a lawn pest. If these grubs are in the roots of plants then they are more likely to be vine weevils. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer.
Q. I am interested in your product Nemasys Grow Your Own, but am not clear if you can spray growing and mature vegetable plants straight onto the leaves as well as the soil. Summer Broccolli for instance, if sprayed onto the leaves and heads are they edible.
A. Nemasys Grow Your Own is applied to the soil to control soil based pests i.e. carrot root fly and over the growing plants to control foliage pests i.e. caterpillars. Nemasys Grow Your Own is a natural product and are totally safe, so it can be applied to leaves and heads which will then be eaten. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys Grow Your Own.
Q. I have 2 taxus bacatta trees and there are white type maggots around the roots under the soil. It looks like its on its last legs - is there any hope or is it too far gone once they take hold?
A. It all depends on how much of the root system the vine weevil grubs have eaten - In really bad cases plants can topple over! As this has only happened recently I suspect they will be OK, but you need to treat with Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer now and again in September to kill the vine weevil grubs and then feed the plants well throughout the summer to compensate the plant for any root system lost. Fingers crossed they will then recover. Click this link to find out more about Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer.
Q. I recently had an email about Grazers. Can this product be used on edbile plants. A rabbit has taken to visiting my vegetable patch and is enjoying the fruits of my labours! Can you help plase?
A. It is safe to use on edible crops - they do recommend stopping treatment a week before harvest. Click this link to find out more about Grazers.
Q. I was wondering if NutraIron (natural moss control in lawns) is safe for pets?
A. NutraIron moss treatment is safe for pets. Click this link to find out more about NutraIron.
Q. I have a large number of slugs in my compost – will Nemaslug work in a compost bin with a lid?
A. Nemaslug will work in a compost bin - just give it a good water first so the nematodes can soak in. Click this link to find out more about Nemaslug Slug Killer.
Q. Rats are making burrows in my chicken run, is it safe to use repellant powder in the run where the chickens might consume it? Or should I try to insert it well into the runs? Many thanks for your great products.
A. The rat repellent powder will be the best thing to use as it is totally safe for chickens. Click this link to find out more about Rat Repellent Powder.
Q. I have lots of tiny flies flying around our living room which then collect at the windows. They also fly around my face while I am trying to watch the TV - any ideas what they are and how to get rid of them.
A. You need to check any pot plants you have in the house and you should find that the small flies called sciarid flies (otherwise known as compost flies) are living in the compost of your pot plants. We have new nematode treatment which will control them. Click this link to find out more about Sciarid Fly Nematode Treatment.
Q. Do you sell the granules that you put directly in contact with the roots of plants to encourage rooting? I cannot remember the name!
A. The product you are looking for are Mycorrhizal Fungi and we do sell them. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. Will Sulphur Rose treat mildew on roses and honeysuckle?
A. Sulphur Rose will treat mildew on both - use at a rate of 10g per 4.5 litres of water for other plants. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Q. My son loved the caterpillars, he got for his birthday even though he has done them at home and school several times before! I'm thinking of ordering a class kit for my Nursery - would we get one in time to hatch before the end of term (july 17th)? Does a class refill pack contain everything else we need, enough pots and food?
A. It takes 3-5 weeks to raise the caterpillars so you have plenty of time. The classroom refill contains 33 caterpillars, 33 vials and lids, all the food needed and full instructions so if you have the nets then it is all you need.
Q. I am interested in the worm works. Kitchen waste – is that all food stuffs (no meat I am vegan!), or is it the sort of thing I put in my composter – i.e: veg peelings etc?
A. The wormery will take all the kitchen waste not just veg peelings i.e. coffee grinds, kitchen roll, egg shells, egg cartons, veg peelings, tea bags, left over cooked food i.e. rice, pasta bread etc. The worms will then convert this into compost and liquid feed. |
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