The devil within

[Brengirl]

I sprouted some sweet pea and planted them eight to a 8" pot. After about a week they began to emerge. This morning I found they had been chewed through and the new shoots lying legless on the soil. I poked around a bit and noticed tiny little wriggly thingies in the soil. What could they be and does that mean that all my compost could be infected?

[ginger ninger]

If there what I think they are Bren there the larvae of a tiny black fly called the Fungus Gnat.

[Flummery]

Depends how big they are - they could be vine weevil - white wiggly things aout a quarter of an inch long. They usually eat stuff from the bottom. Sounds like they might be in your compost. Tip it out and check it.

[stella]

Quick check the compost before you lose any thing else

[ginger ninger]

Mmmm, can you upload a photo Bren, that way we can see what you've got in ya muck.

[Brengirl]

I think I used the compost from last years herb bed. Cannot be sure but in the meantime I have stood all the pots outside the ghouse and securely shut the door. Will do a bit of furtling tomorrow.