I'm wondering if I can plant these Carrot Nantes Frubund autumn sown carrots just now in place of all my carrots that died of carrot fly using the same sandy soil?
dodgy move, there could be grubs left in the soil ready for a snack on some other carrots. Get some enviromesh or such like and plant elsewhere, the mesh keeps the carrot fly away, dont bother planting anything to "hide" the smell of carrot
I grew mine in a heavy duty pots filled with multi purpose compost. I stood them on the same size upturned pots against a shed wall. They need plenty of watering and some feeding, but I have had some lovely baby carrots and no carrot fly this year. There were some caterpillars in there there that had eaten the foliage but the carrots are still intact. I have parsnips growing this way too. I haven't fleeced any of the pots as carrot flies do not fly very high.
These are the pots I used:
http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/product.asp?src=froogle&pf_id=101&recno=22
I mixed together early nantes and Flyaway carrot seeds and planted them all out broadcast in a square bed.
Other carrots in the plot copped the d**n fly, but not those that were with Flyaway.
May just be a coincidence...
Isn't it usually said that carrot fly shouldn't be a problem when sowing this late? So maybe you don't need protection?
I believe you are right Caroline, but with the odd weather we have now its possible that breeding of pests is also a bit erratic. Prevention is better than cure.
Grew early carrots successfully in pots placed 3' high above ground last year as the flies don't fly that high! This year used cheap fleece over and so far so good. Adult flies lay eggs in May/June and second brood July/Aug. so I guess best to grow in another site.
hi, 2degus, welcome to a4a ;D