Dear Member,
We all like growing carrots, leeks and onions but I have suffered with pests and diseases that have affected my crop. My onions and leeks have been ruined with the allium leaf miner and the carrots with the carrot rust fly. It’s a challenge but below are some solutions to help reduce the problems.
Onions and leeks:
The allium leaf miner is a significant threat that arrived in the UK in 2002. Small white maggots feed within the leaves, leading to yellowing, distortion, and rotting. They are active in spring (March–May) and autumn (August–November). By covering with fleece or a fine insect netting you can prevent or at least reduce the problem. Do not plant alliums in the same spot for 2–3 years to avoid emerging pests.
Carrots:
Carrot Rust Fly is my biggest issue. Small black flies lay eggs near the soil surface. Cream-coloured larvae (maggots) tunnel into the roots, causing rust-coloured, stunted, and deformed carrots. By using a fine insect-proof mesh immediately after sowing will help to prevent adult flies from reaching the soil
Insect netting costs £3.90 per metre whilst Fleece is much cheaper at 40p per metre and is well worth it to protect your crop.
We have added a few NEW products to the shelves this week and I list them below.
Westland Houseplant Bug Control Spray:
This is designed to effectively tackle a broad range of common indoor plant pests, including aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects and psyllids. Its fast-acting formula quickly gets to work, helping to stop infestations before they spread and cause lasting damage. 500ml for £4.50
Westland Pure Green Lawn Seed:
Westland PureGreen Lawn Seed is a unique blend of premium grass varieties to deliver a dense, deep green lawn all year round. Price £10.50 for a box.
Westland Rose Specialist Planting Mix:
Westland Rose Specialist Planting Mix is a premium, peat free blend expertly formulated to give roses exactly what they need to thrive. 10L bag for £3.55
And back in stock we have:
Westland Big Tom Super Tomato Food:
Big Tom Super Tomato Food now gives you 3 x more, bigger, healthier as well as tastier tomatoes, all season long. 1L size (plus25%) is £4.35 and the 2L size is £6.60
Growmoor Salad and Vegetables Compost with Added John Innes:
packed with Better Growing’s premium mix of environmentally friendly compost with added John Innes that produce fantastic results. Very popular last year. £6.75 for 50Ltr bag or £19.25 for three bags.
Grow bags:
These are also back in stock. £4.40 for 35L bag or £12.55 for three bags.
50th Anniversary:
Have you bought your tote bag yet? They are just the right size to carry a few tools in when you visit the allotment, but the best thing is that we will donate £1 to the Willen Hospice for every one bought.
Round it up for charity:
Don’t forget to donate your change to the Willen Hospice each time you make a purchase at The Hut.
Competitions:
We have two competitions starting this weekend. Firstly, guess the number of beans in the jar. Entry fee is 50p a guess with a £10 prize for the nearest guess. The second is a treasure map of Milton Keynes. Simply select a location and cross your fingers. 25p a go or 5 for £1. We are giving away several prizes including bags of compost, seeds and other items. ALL entry fees will be donated to the Willen Hospice.
So please give this your full support.
The 10% offer on WHGAA bagged fertilisers will continue through March.
We have reduced the price of all 2.5Kg and 5Kg bags of fertilisers as well as the 25Kg bags.
If you do not want to receive this weekly email, then you need to let me know by emailing me using: whgaa2801@gmail.com.
Happy Gardening
Mick Goodman
Membership Secretary
