White eggs in compost

[Hazlerigg]

Hi, It's my first post so be gentle with me ! I have found some small white eggs in the roots of a cale plant. There is about 20 of them and they're about 3-4mm round. Am quite new to gardening and have never seen these before. Anyone know what they could be ?

[Hans Mum]

my best guess is SLUG eggs............put them out for the birds/frogs all they'll hatch & eat all your veggies

oh & welcome to the vine.....we're always gentle

[terrier]

Hi Hazlerigg, welcome to the vine.
Hans Mum, I thought slug eggs were jelly like, not sure, my first thought was Chafer grubs, but still not sure
Best thing, Hazlerigg, is to hang about 'till someone comes along who knows what they're talking about I'm sure I've seen what looked like little white eggs on the roots of veg, but it turned out to be pearlite!

[Seahorse]

Almost certainly slug or snail eggs. As Hans Mum says, get rid!

Welcome to the 'Vine

[Two_Sheds]

they'll be snail eggs. I'm finding loads at the moment: http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log20...ils%20eggs.jpg

[Hans Mum]

me too TS....i've never seen as many as this year must be all this bl***dy rain

[Hazlerigg]

Thanks everyone for your help ! Two sheds, thanks for the pic, that is definitely them ! I'll get rid straight away, had loads of snails this year and paid the price. Will the cale (kale?) survive once I've removed them ?

[Nicos]

Hello- and welcome to the Vine!!

I'm presuming you mean they are in the potting compost of a Kale plant growing in a pot/bag????

If so- why not try gently removing them with a spoon? If you gently scrape around the root ball you should be OK.Don't disturb the roots too much though- and remember to press the compost down firmly again afterwards as all brassicas grow better in firm soil.(at least if you get most of them you'll be fine-) and remember to check the plants in the evenings for baby snails.

The eggs will be between 5-10cm deep so you shouldn't really disturb too many roots if you are gentle- and they hatch in 2-4 weeks, so don't delay!!!

Have fun!!!

[Hazlerigg]

Thanks Nicos, I've removed them and squished them all ! Hopefully the Kale won't suffer too much