Question for Hazel at the Hill or anyone who has used nematodes ..

[susieq100]

Hi H azel
I read your thread about the caterpillar destroying nematodes. I then had to look up what a nematode was!

Get to the point woman - have you used this product before? I am overwhelmed with cabbage white caterpillars and they are so little I can't see them properly to pick them off (plus I am really squeamish about slugs and caterpillars - I know it's pathetic but ...). I can't decide if it is best to buy a big 'packet' but if they are living creatures then they won't keep - will they? Or should I buy a small pack now and another one in a week or two. Capital Gardens have a special offer of Just Green Nematodes at the moment and I thought I would take advantage of this, but if the poor little things die off quickly then there isn't a lot of point!

I would really appreciate some advice. Thanks very much.
Sue

[Alison]

I've not used the ones for catapillars but have used the slug and vine weevil ones and they certainly don't keep very long. When you get them the use by date is probably a couple of weeks on but they advise you to use asap. The ones I've used last about 6 weeks in the soil though so they continue to work for a bit. At this time of year that should see you through the worst of it I would have thought.

[JennieAtkinson]

I used them successfully for vine weevil and didn't have to do another "dose" for the rest of the year. As Alison says they don't keep very long once you get them.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Ah, now I didn't use the nematodes as I sent them to Pumpkin Becki - she says she has applied them, so perhaps she'll let us know how she rates them in due course.

[susieq100]

Thanks so much everyone - I think I'll get a small 'packet' and see how I go. I'll let you know if it works.

[JILLY JACKSON]

Ditto that,will also be going down that route ,garden centre today,sure i saw some at haskins.

[Protea]

nematodes are indeed living creatures - when they arrive you MUST put them in the fridge and use them before the 'use by' date which is usually 2-3 weeks after you recieve them.

I've not used the caterpillar one before but have experience of the vine weevil one and have just ordered nemaslug to use next week. (but i do sell it to commercial growers so know all about the product).

to be honest there are other products on the market (for organic gardeners too) that may be more effective on catterpillars than nematodes. Google Aquablast bug spray for example - i've been using it all season on my brassicas and its very effective (and organic too!).

[SlugLobber]

I used Nemaslug earlier this year and yes, it does need to be used quite quickly. I recently discovered that Metaldehyde based products are inactive below 5 degrees C, so in the early spring, the nematodes have a distinct advantage!

[Birdie Wife]

I used the one for leather jackets last year, it worked a treat. I followed the instructions to the letter!