Autumn King and Carrot fly

[Two_Sheds]

I've tried all sorts to beat the carrot fly.
Tried planting with onions; resistant varieties; sowing early; sowing late ... the only thing that works is voile (net curtains) and even then the wind will do its utmost to make little gaps for the flies to get in.
I got my best ever crop this year, but even so, a lot had damage, because I just can't keep the net pegged down all the way round.
Next year I'll be building a carrot cage, with a roof on.
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...-fly_6120.html

[Phreddy]

Phreddy - how you doing?

I went on a course at Garden Organic a month ago and they said exactly that - but I haven't recommended it as I haven't tried it successfully yet.

I'm doing a trial row this year to see what happens.

I don't thin mine as I sow in pinches not rows, but if it works, then how fab would that be?

Hi Andrea, we are enjoying the warmth of Malaysia at the moment. Just seen your weather forcast, my comiserations!

Thanks for the support on the 'earthing up', that 2sheds doesn't know everything!

BTW Piglet willie has a system of growing them in groups of 5 or 6 that sounds good. Might try it myself this year.

[BrideXIII]

I've tried all sorts to beat the carrot fly.
Tried planting with onions; resistant varieties; sowing early; sowing late ... the only thing that works is voile (net curtains) and even then the wind will do its utmost to make little gaps for the flies to get in.
I got my best ever crop this year, but even so, a lot had damage, because I just can't keep the net pegged down all the way round.
Next year I'll be building a carrot cage, with a roof on.
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...-fly_6120.html

you could try actually burying the edge into the ground on three sides, thats what i am going to do, let the soil do the work and a few bricks on one side so you can lift that to harvest, I am going to build a low tent affair.

[Snadger]

you could try actually burying the edge into the ground on three sides, thats what i am going to do, let the soil do the work and a few bricks on one side so you can lift that to harvest, I am going to build a low tent affair.

If you have raised beds that are surrounded by wooden boards it is quite easy to secure the enviromesh/curtains over a frame work to the boards!

[Terryr]

Just found this thread
I had been trying to grow carrots for years without success, due to the fly. Very old garden with every type of natural problem.
Tried fleece one year, just lying over plants with some success.
But now I put a wooden post in at each corner of my plot and staple 2-3 feet high lengths of clear polythene sheeting to them and the boards around the bed.
The results are great. I would send a picture but I remove structure during the winter.

Be good to gardeners.

Terry

[cupcake]

Has anyone tried the carrot seed tapes?

[Alison]

Have always thought that the tapes seem a bit over priced for what they are put they might be good for people with kids as they'd be very easy.

[sallym]

Not tried carrot seed tapes, but was given some parsnip ones (don't know what variety). Dug them up today and very disappointed with them compared to Avonresiter. All grown in raised bed filled with compost, Avonresister lovely shape all others stunted or deformed.Seem a bit overpriced when you can get better results with loose seed.