Carrot Fly

[littlemoney]

When should I put net curtains over my carrots to protect them. The tops are about half and inch tall. Thanks

[Nicos]

I put fleece over mine as soon as I sow the seeds and just adjust how taught it is as they grow.

I’d say put yours on now and cross my fingers the little horrors already haven’t got scent of them

[Bren In Pots]

I put fleece over mine as soon as I sow the seeds and just adjust how taught it is as they grow.

I’d say put yours on now and cross my fingers the little horrors already haven’t got scent of them

I do the same as Nicos its never to early to protect those carrots.

[littlemoney]

Thanks. Does the net have to be secured with no gaps. I can use bricks to hold net curtain down but it's impossible to ensure a continuous seal with the ground?

[Nicos]

Try putting a small amount of soil on the lip of the net curtain to seal the base.

I weigh mine down with stones about the size of bricks to stop them blowing off.

When you say net curtain…I’m presuming it’s a fine mesh?

I’ve no idea what size mine is but it’s a cheap IKEA net curtain and that seems to do the trick.(I use the netting on other plants and fleece on the carrots)

RHS suggests a maximum mesh size of 1.3 - 1.4 mm for carrotfly…
https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-pr...ect-proof-mesh

[Snadger]

My carrots are at the same stage and will be covered with enviromesh tomorrow. (You've just reminded me of another job that needs doing) This is the first year I have grown them at ground level as i usually grow them in a raised bed which is supposed to give a bit more protection from the 'fly'.

[Dynamo]

I grow my carrots in pots on a 3 foot high shelf. The carrot fly don't get that high so the plants aren't attacked.

[bikermike]

I start mine in the greenhouse then plant them out under enviromesh.

oddly, I con never get them to start outside as seed, but the plot next to me grows them like weeds...

[greenishfing]

I grow my carrots in pots on a 3 foot high shelf. The carrot fly don't get that high so the plants aren't attacked.

I wish someone would tell mine that they can't get that high. I once grew them in big bags on top of an old table.... over 4 ft (120cm) to the soil level. They got riddled with carrot fly.

[Snoop Puss]

I start mine in the greenhouse then plant them out under enviromesh.

This sounds like a good wheeze. I've only ever sown them direct. What's the trick to starting them off and then planting out? Do you use paper pots or something like that?

[bikermike]

Yup - loo roll middles

[Snoop Puss]

Yup - loo roll middles

Thanks. I think paper pots might be more manageable for us. In a household of two, not sure we'd have enough loo roll middles!

[bikermike]

Start saving now for next year... if nothing else, they are effectively free.
some people cut them in half.