Garden Bugs talk by Dr Ian Bedford

Cohabit, Conserve or Control

Right from a child Dr Bedford had an interest in insects particularly butterflies and moths, which he used to catch and allow them to lay eggs and then release them back to the wild. He was employed by the John Innes Centre an an Entymologist, now retired. He was very involved in finding solutions to severe insect damage to crops such as Cassava, and Tomatoes in Spain by sap sucking insect which decimated the plants. Very heavy doses of pesticides were used so much that the crop was unsaleable.  He advised them to use a combined approach such as soft soap which break down the waxy coat, netting and removal of weeds which act as a breeding ground for these insects. (Weeds+aphids >damaged crop)

On to slugs of which only a few will damage the plants others feeding on plant debris. He advised damp carpet or cardboard or pots with crocks, overnight the slugs will retreat underneath where they can be picked up and disposed of in the morning. Sawflies are warded off by pheromones, The hated Lily beetle by spraying with an organic substance called Graziers, G4. Sap sucking insects once again soft soap and SB Invigorator.

Insects such as cockchafers, cut worms, dig around the stem of the plant so the birds can reach them. vine weevils a product named Zee No Weevils, also works on Sciarid Flies.

Beneficial creatures need to be encouraged as they are the good predators, a thick bark mulch is good for them,plus we also have Blood suckers, spiders,predatory mites, house flies, lady birds. certain internal parasites such as wasps. Control and conserve!

Pyrethrum thought to be a safe insecticide actually kills the good creatures like bees. Aromatic plants and oils help controls pests as does garlic.

Due to Global Trading many pests are now thriving over here, like Oak Processionary Moth and leaf minors also the Spanish Slug, Eventually it has been observed that our own blackbirds and starlings will eat them when they realise that they are food. A word of caution, Spanish slugs contain parasites, so even though they might be dead they need to be soaked in bleach to kill the parasites which can be very harmful to dogs if ingested.

Such an interesting and thought provoking talk by Dr Bedford.

PHOTO BY: Sheila Pettett
Gardening Club in Lowestoft

News & Updates

Please check here regularly for any important club news and special updates.

New Year, New Webmaster

We would like to say a big thank you to Sheila who has done an amazing job keeping our website up to date in the past eighteen months.  We wish her well as she moves on to pastures new.  From January this year Debbie will be taking on the role as Webmaster.  For website queries please get in touch with her through the contact form on our Get In Touch page.

Bereavement

It is with great sadness that one of our staunchest members have died. Our sympathies go to his family and partner Marion.

Allotment Sharing

One of our members has 2 large allotments at St Margaret Road site in Lowestoft which he shared with his late mother and her partner. He has tried to keep them going but is finding it difficult on his own. He finds gardening very therapeutic and having suffered from cancer himself he wondered if other members who have had similar experiences could join him on his allotments where they could share experiences and socialise together. Without a team to help him he will have to give up the allotments but feels it would be beneficial to all concerned to work together. For more information please complete the contact form.

Changes to membership fees

It has been agreed by both the members and the committee that the membership fee will increase to £10 per annum, In order to get good speakers we need to increase our income, speakers costs have also increased as have their travelling costs. The entrance fee will remain at £1.00 with first time guest free of charge.

.