Pest prevention - reduce damage on different vegetables, through understanding the pests

[@LisaBeergutHolst]

I appreciate the fact that your videos are captioned. Thanks.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You're welcome, nice to hear. It's a big investment and I feel it's worthwhile

[@joshsmith7865]

The fact you mention things like inches and Fahrenheit is much appreciated as a viewer in America. Phenomenal work as usual, Charles.

[@terrymandalore3066]

we just found your channel a few hours ago and have been watching it ever since! we love you, Mr Dowding, sir, please don't ever stop.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Terry and enjoy the upcoming videos

[@tubeuser0180]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig wonderful information that you have on pests. Do you have any tips on handling plant diseases..esp. in no dig setup? For e.g. about potato virus or tomato viruses.. all the advise from universities to folk tales is that usch diseased plants should be completely dug out and not even composted. What do you do in such cases.. I would find it hard to imagine that you wouldn't have plant diseases in decades of your gardening.. Please shed some light on this. Thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

@@tubeuser0180 Yes I would remove any virus plant eg to the hedgerow! Hardly suffer that so far, a few potatoes from seed. My next online course will have more on this.

[@zachtbh]

You can see the passion this man has for his garden when he speaks of his plants growing from teens to adulthood as if they're his children.

[@simonjlkoreshoff3426]

Thank you Mr Dowding. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@bethatz252]

showing examples of damage & what pest caused it was extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@bross8762]

Thank you for producing the most educational gardening videos on the web. I have learned so much from you. You make us better gardeners! You taught me that powedry mildew is just a natural plant process - aging. A revelation. And your gardens are absolutely spectacular!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks 😀 happy to help

[@lorrainebarnett8389]

I learn so much every time I watch your videos. Then, I forget...and watch again! 💕

[@mmarrinan]

You offer such a wealth of knowledge, free of charge. You have helped me immensely in developing my first vegetable garden and have had great success ( aside from birds getting my lettuces - I can fix that now!)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and I am happy to hear that

[@Thespaewife]

I agree, I’m a complete novice, just started and I’ve been binge watching lol.

[@OriginalRaveParty]

I'm always happy when you release a new video Charles. Your methods are superb. Cheers Geoff.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Geoff, watch out for how to grow beetroot next week

[@markg9971]

Charles Dowding hi Charles have you any links for the netting ?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Try LBS Mark www.lbsbuyersguide.co.uk/anti-bird-netting-high-strength

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

And even better www.lbsbuyersguide.co.uk/anti-bird-netting-heavy-duty

[@markg9971]

Charles Dowding thanks I've just had a look I'm after the butterfly smaller holes just trying to find on the site. Thanks for your help.

[@carltaylor4942]

Love these videos - your laid-back delivery is always a pleasure to listen to and you obviously have an enormous wealth of very practical knowledge to share with us all. A big, heart-felt thank you from a mere beginner (aged over 60).

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Carl and have fun growing, learning, eating

[@MsMrWildhorse]

I had blister beetles covering and decimating my carrot tops, in a raised bed too close to the horses over the fence (deadly for horses). After many days trialling with organic interventions (neem, plain liquid soap, diatomaceous earth, etc.) a commenter in a blog somewhere recommended the ShopVac. Vacuum off the beetles, roll up the liner bag, put in a plastic bag and immediately into the garbage with lid. Never had them again. Brilliant.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So funny, nice you worked that out

[@janemcguinness6321]

Thanks, Charles. My garden has changes 100% due to your videos and books. Keep on sharing.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Jane.

[@pixiesnow7636]

Now I know who is down-voting your videos. Slugs got wi-fi. 😛

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah that is bad news!

[@Wings91]

Lol

[@donnaflores50]

Is there some sort of bot program that goes around giving thumbs down to perfectly good videos? I have seen the thumbs down phenomena on many wonderful videos!

[@farnabyurquhart6970]

That Monty Don has a mean streak through him

[@kalnmark6747]

Winner of a video, I been tryin to find out about "start pest control company" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Vaniam Tonatthew Formula - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my mate got amazing results with it.

[@jembo1959]

Its my second time watching this video, and its amazing what you pick up watching again.Thanks again another great video.

[@tanyaratti]

This was extremely helpful, especially the various covers (I’d not known of butterfly/moth mesh...) in Australia we have a small insect called whitefly, I’ve had it here in droves each year devastating my brassicas/tomatoes, mint etc... this year by absolute accident I have NO whitefly. I purchased a couple Artemesia plants (wormwood /fleabane) to plant near my chicken house. By chance I set the pots on a raised garden and they ended up staying and rooting down j to the bed. I now just strip the soft leaves from the stems when pruning back and toss into the chicken laying boxes to keep mites at bay. As a bonus, the strong smell of the Artemesia seem to have confused the whitefly and they are gone.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This is a lovely discovery! Thanks for sharing.

[@mayaholligan5487]

So interesting, thanks Tanya!

[@maggied8468]

Another helpful and interesting video. Really enjoy watching. You're my favorite here on KZbin. Thank you 🐞

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and hooray

[@armyguy9735]

Have ever tried wood vinegar? In the Orients, it is very popular insect repellent, it is organic

[@maggied8468]

Army Guy oh nice. Thank you for the tip. Really appercated. Would it be sprayed on the leaves or ground?

[@josevelez7539]

I started my garden a year ago and had great results with the no dig method! Have learned much from watching your videos. VERY informational and educational. Love your calm demeanor and easy to understand instructional methods. Had a few problems with aphids in my cabbage, but the rest of the crops were fine. Please keep it going!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear this Jose and thanks for posting

[@nightowl9176]

I'm so happy I discovered your gardening channel. It's one of the best I've seen. I am giving myself few weeks to watch all your videos so that I'm better prepared for my gardening projects next year ;>) Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Welcome, nice to hear

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning Charles, Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b 🇺🇸 Still 90°F and humidity in the 80-95% So hot and sticky, but no major Hurricanes 👍🤞👍 This summer I grew tomatoes, French Marigolds and Basil together and I didn't have horn worm or Aphids 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Peggy, hope it cools soon

[@anilkapur1584]

You have made pest management so simple, I really like the ideas of nets, I used them once on my cabbages in the Square Foot Garden and had no problem at all with pests. I am also going to try BT for caterpillars. Thank you very much Charles, Lifeboat Organic Farm on the edge of Bangalore, India is going to much happier with your methods.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful! And I wish you success Anil

[@MeMe-lm9bm]

Ditto, I am happy too with these videos and I really appreciated this one. The netting comments were so needed. I will include netting and covers. Thank you so much Cathy

[@DaveWheeler]

Egg laying bit aka ovipositor! Thank you for sharing this info, I'm super keen to give it all a go in the Aussie spring.

[@ronrondeau8067]

I’m so glad I discovered your channel! I had an awful time with broccoli and brussel sprouts this year in my garden. I’m hoping between the butterfly netting and the organic spray that next year I’ll get a bumper crop. Thanks for the advice.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Welcome Ron

[@CubasAutomotive]

This was so packed with great info! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Looking forward to the next one! 😄

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou

[@cruella8501]

You are brilliant, I'm addicted!

[@helenchen3665]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I enjoy watching these informative videos a lot. 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you like them!

[@workingguitar1]

Ha! "egg laying bit " : ) Always a pleasure watching and learning. Thank you Sir : ) Adam and Teresa , Virginia USA

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

:) thanks Adam, Teresa

[@soulsprings546]

really nice quality video, and very helpful. Thanks for putting your time into sharing

[@traceyclark178]

i am just so amazed at the way you grow everything, you make it look so easy , i find all your information videos really worth watching , thank you .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am happy to hear that Tracey, am sure you will get the hang of making it easier for yourself

[@eddieleong6490]

There is so much commercial emphasis on big, expensive greenhouses with all its gizmos on atmosphere controls, etc. It is industrial greenhouses, I call them. This kind of gardening is a lot more fun and clearly suitable for rural Africa where there is enough moisture. Soil fertility is something Man can do to assist. Pest control ideas like these are simply fantastic. Will see how I can deploy them in Rwanda later.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck with that and yes, small is beautiful

[@rdkitchengarden4359]

great advice. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Have a wonderful day

[@riverunner9978]

I watch you videos multiple times. You’ve packed such a great amount of valuable info in them. Also your voice and mannerisms are very soothing and pleasant! Thank You so much!🌱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Riverunner, hope your snow is melting

[@riverunner9978]

Charles Dowding we’ve had 218 inches now with a 6-10 inch storm due tomorrow. It has melted a small bit. I’m watching the tops of my cultivated raspberries. They were completely covered but now I see them emerging! First day of spring!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh my word, you need warmth

[@riverunner9978]

Charles Dowding 40 degrees today! Glad to have that warm.

[@tinkerbell2606]

thank you this kind of information is invaluble to every gardner, When i was young my father used to grow Echinacea between his cabbages as Slugs hate the plant.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is funny and must have looked pretty

[@tinkerbell2606]

yes if you watched wallace and grommit veg film that was my dad and family in our small village trying for best veg and a 1st prize of 75pence crazy days. but i love watching you and thanks for the incredable advice and tips

[@johntandberg]

Very instructive, loaded with experience and practical advise. A blessing to any lifestyle gardener.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you kindly John

[@jeangreenfield5993]

Fancy growing beetroot for my beloved Sparrows now 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow!

[@susanshafer735]

Having trouble with aphids on both my 5' coffee bushes, in greenhouse. Tried soap water & plain. But should of thought of Marigolds. Thanks so much!

[@lilacjay]

My goodness, many thanks for sharing your experience with us. I have a kitchen garden and only grow enough to feed my family organic fruit and veg, I also feed the garden birds all year around and didnt realise until I saw this, that yes indeed, sparrows have been eating my beetroot!!! For many years too. I will certainly invest in some extra netting now. Many thanks for all the information too, I am going to buy the powder too. Your a hive of information and I really appreciate ALL of your advice. Kind Regards Jane

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Jane! Cheeky sparrows 🥬

[@millsmh]

Lovely video. I've just done a course on plant protection and the advice here is really sound.

[@CraigOverend]

Lots of great tips, the only thing I'd add is to use Wildlife friendly netting wherever possible, 5mm or less is recommended by Wires the Australian wildlife rescue organisation.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Craig

[@racheltomlinson2257]

Wow, your garden is amazing.your hard work is evident.I could do with you in my garden . I have learned quite a lot from you, thank you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Rachel, you can do it!

[@judyb7812]

Hi Charles, regarding your comment on the white mesh being difficult to see through, I found some fine black mesh this year which is brilliant! You can see straight through it, spots weeds, pests and keep an eye on growth without having to take it off. It also seems to be lighter weight, and doesn’t seem to fray so readily when cut. It’s a bit more expensive than the standard white, maybe because I found it at HarrodHorticultural... it could be cheaper elsewhere, but that seemed to be the only source when I bought it.

[@Jamie-qs2vv]

Tulle is a great netting to use as well 🍓

[@thandoc3934]

Charles you are doing an amazing work

[@przybyla420]

A good way to make wooden frames on the cheap is to find suitable straight branches or 1x1s (sometimes cabinetshops give away scraps like this) or bamboo and then drill holes small where you need to attach two together and then use light gauge wire through the holes. Saves trouble of trying to nail or screw a flimsy frame together, and last longer than lashing with twine.

[@allieb7757]

The law on nets was upgraded in Australia to allow only nets of 5mm or smaller to be used in order to protect wildlife. I had a pigeon get tangled which had to be euthanised when using our old net so I am glad this has come into effect since September 2021.

[@janejane-ii1fb]

Thank you so much Charles for you time and wonderful energy and inspiration, I do hope you and Steph are keeping well, our fingers are crossed that you might visit Truth Juice Birmingham this year to share more of your fantastic knowledge ( next time see if Steph will join you as I do believe she holds many more treasures) Big hugs & lots of mutual growing love x x

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear and glad you are still going, stay in touch 🌷

[@mohamedshafeeqosman9311]

hey.. you hav an awesome garden.. thank you for such informed videos. greetings from mombasa, kenya. .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Mohamed

[@momcation9786]

Thank you so much Charles for educating us with your knowledge in growing healthy plants! You're an inspiration to many! Can't wait for your next Vlog!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice of you to say Bing

[@ulaw2711]

Awww I went in the morning to my greenhouse and found out all my flower seedlings eaten by baby slugs ....really? I grow everything every year and always was safe in greenhouse 😣😣😣 I found your channel on KZbin and became my favourite. I am from Poland originally and English climate is a bit different so I need different approach to gardening. My family always grown own vegetables and fruits but honestly I was not interested doing this before 😊. I am now so keep learning, thanks to you 😊😊😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for your appreciation, happy to help. Oh dear British slugs! Always a lot to learn.

[@alfhfazal]

Thank you for sharing your experience Charles. Very useful 👍

[@floriebrown2089]

Thanks Charles lots of great tips great video.

[@199greg0]

Morning Charles Another informative and helpful video, thank you. If you have a moment, would you please explain how you anchor the twine in the soil that support your tomatoes grown in the plastic hoop house. Thanks again Greg

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Greg, see my tomato video summer in the greenhouse. It's held in place by plant roots.

[@AC-ub8ll]

I wish I had seen this a few weeks ago as my lovely arugula is like swiss cheese from flea beetles. thank you for such a helpful and informative video!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh dear. I wonder why so few recommendations to sow arugula in spring mention flea beetles.

[@captnodge]

Does neem oil prevent flea beetles on rocket ect.is it worth the expense do you think Charles

[@woodstock6046]

Love your channel. Love how you communicate your passion. 👍

[@ronsmith8800]

Just started watching your vids can't wait for spring on my allotment 👍

[@marthazarate6490]

This is very useful, thank you, Charles!!

[@alexaskew70]

Excellent as always. The arrival of Ladybirds and hoverflies is another reason as to delay the planting of runner beans until the aphid predators arrive. French beans will do well in drier May/June and seem not be so bothered by black fly as runners.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good point Alex, thanks 😀

[@n8440]

Absolutely beautiful vegetable garden I love it

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for visiting Nicolene

[@anaphirirussell]

Thanks for this video which I needed to watch again 🙏😊now I know what happened to my poor cauliflowers and brocoli...will do better next year!

[@marikalehman8611]

Here in Australia we call wood lice slater bugs or pillbugs. They (along with cabbage white butterflies) are the bane of backyard gardeners as they do love to shear right through the stems of small seedlings. Tiiiimbeeeer!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Interesting! yes an underestimated pest!

[@ianh3366]

Thanks again for the wisdom. I'm thinking of going pro so these videos are hugely helpful Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck with that

[@TropicalJungleIreland]

Informative video. thank's again Charles.

[@victoriaoshea4865]

These videos are BEAUTIFUL! ❤💐❤🍅❤🥗❤🌱 🐎

[@junyapattanachaeng1121]

I really enjoy to watch your videos all the time ,I would like to success like you,thank you for your hard work!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you Junya and 💚

[@MarcellaSmithVegan]

First View! And, First Share!! I like the look of the netting. I will look around for that here in the US

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So quick! and thanks

[@timgallagher1761]

Wonderful video ! In the past I've hesitated spending money on netting. Good to know the nets last a fair number of years. Flea beetle is a major pest for me. Good to hear about later planting. If you are ever in New Hampshire North of Boston Ma. let me know, would enjoy meeting you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Tim, you never know

[@asias.2460]

You are doing a great job Charles! :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Ryba Ryba

[@salwa4ever818]

Really great video. I learned so much by watching your informative videos and have been applying many of your suggestions and knowledge. Unfortunately this year myself and a few neighbours have been seeing field mice that have been eating up tomatoes by looking for their seeds. The neighbour had stopped putting out bird seeds which the mice were satisfied eating them but now they have been attacking vegetables. Any advise on how to deal with such a pesky problem. Look forward to hearing from you my dear mentor. 🌻🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh dear what a pain. I would put down mousetraps with peanut butter, leaves over. Your neighbour had caused a huge population of mice!

[@denilsopaulucio5311]

Inspirador.Nos transmite satisfação em plantar.Porque é bem trabalhoso manter esse jardim lindo e saudável.

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Hello Charles this answers my question posted on another of your video regarding compost being able to prevent slug, caterpillar, fly eggs damage that it’s not possible to blend a compost to prevent such problems.

[@wwsuwannee7993]

New comment to an older video. I live in northern Florida and as you can imagine it is a never ending battle with pests. I am slowly balancing them out with predator habitats but they still do damage. I am very glad that you mentioned BT as a worm cure, I use this myself and there is nothing better for any type of caterpillar, ANY type. It takes them out fast and as you said, it's organic. The only down side is they actually have to take a bite of the vegetable before it "gets" them, which is a small price to pay considering the alternative is poison and that also kills the good guy bugs and besides, who wants that on their food. Our climates are worlds apart but I still enjoy your videos, because on occasion during some parts of the year they are similar for a month or two. Thanks for the vid Charles gg :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am reassured to hear this WW Suwannee. And amused that our climates overlap briefly! Best of luck with your other pests.

[@xuyahfish]

The fleece & netting is MUCH cheaper on Aliexpress, but it takes 1-2 months to arrive

[@barblongair]

I always learn something from your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Do you have any tips for leaf miner pests? I'm having an awful time with my spinach and chard here in Canada.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Leaf miners are difficult, especially in early summer. Sorry I have no remedy except to grow a few extra plants.

[@celticlass8573]

And get rid of the infected leaf or portion of leaf immediately.

[@1980payal]

Have u heard of quasia barks...I met an organic gardener and he told me these barks are best for any pests....all u do is boil 100 grams of barks with 2 litter water, until it's half... approximately 1 liter left, cool it and spray...u can get these barks in herb shops. These barks are most bitterest and they dry the tongue of the insects, they can't stick so insects fall, hope it works for u.

[@WAYNESVILLE]

Maybe try bird feeders and baths? I had one bath in my garden and 3 feeders and another bath about 15 feet from the garden. Had black birds and all kinds of others all year but none of my crops were touched. Didn't have bug problems until the end of our season here in Indiana.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice tip. I do have bird baths now :)

[@openmind5973]

Great video Charles. Thank you.

[@tanjowil9743]

As always I learnt something beneficial to get: Bacillus thurigensis to treat butterflies in the garden

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes, from Agrinova Xentari www.amazon.co.uk/Agrinova-Xentari®-Caterpillar-25g/dp/B01FKO565Y/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=agrinova+caterpillar&qid=1597555874&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyR0c2QjdMWU41M0hOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTE3NzA3MTBHNTJDTllRNjJRSSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDAwNjQ2MVZFMUZYMVpaT0I0RSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[@tinahart1712]

I loved watching this Charles it's a brilliant video did your son do it? He should film for gardeners world. Thank you for such invaluable tips I have learnt even more. Thank you thank you 😊☀️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for your feedback Tina and I shall pass on the compliment to Edward who did indeed film it, all in one afternoon with no second takes, Dowding Budget Films Inc! He is enjoying the editing now.

[@s0t0e0f0a0n]

Even though it's an old video, I love all the information given in all these videos. Do you ever had problems with mole crickets? Love to know your thoughts. In our communal plot they're a real pest. Particularly damaging potatoes and carrots/parsnips, but also easily destroy the roots of many other young plants. I turned to potato growing in buckets this year (got the idea from Tony O'Neill), carrots i'll try anyway. For cabbage, many gardeners here burrow a bottomless bucket about 2-3in in the ground around their plants, to divert the route of the mole cricket. I'm trying this too this year, in combination with a piece of pond cloth around the stem and fine mesh netting with the end on wood chips, to keep out many other pests, especially cabbage fly.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much. I wish I could help you, and yet in a way, I'm glad I cannot because we do not have that horrible post here! Some people tell me about it and they sound really difficult to deal with, so I wish you success with your various methods.

[@tekyMAVERICK]

I enjoyed your video much. Very wise n informative 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Teky

[@janeyng3785]

Love your garden so much. Really hope my dream to own a similar garden like yours will come true.

[@RichardTaylorgardening]

All i can say after more than half a century of gardening is dont be so quick at chopping down your nettles and brambles around your beds very little damage from slugs I don't like getting stung and they don't either as always happy gardening Richardx

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers, the points is more how nettle seeds and roots, and bramble roots can quickly invade any planted area. I let them grow, but further away.

[@monkeyrangcopter]

Hey Charles I really enjoy your videos they tend to be a good mix between permaculture methods and traditional allotmenteering, taking the best from both. I hope you have time to answer a question, are there any sacrifice crops that you recommend, that take damage from birds slugs with ease etc and are desired by them above all other crops . I wondered about some of the perennial kales and also low growing ground over that could be planted through, purslane trefoil clover bugle etc, maybe even hostas

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and basically no, it does not seem to work like that. Birds and slugs etc know what they want or need to eat, it's not random. So a sacrificial plant simply increases pest population. For example when I grow pak choi, it attracts slugs, but does not affect other plants, and we keep removing slugs when picking the pak choi. If no pak choi, slugs are less, other plants still slug free.

[@cbentler4528]

Charles Dowding I have further evidence of this in my garden. When we had a large bridal wreath spirea it attracted hundreds of aphids. And although the aphids didn't bother the veggies, they were bad on the annuals. Every since we cut down the spirea, i haven't seen an aphid since.

[@monkeyrangcopter]

C Bentler that's interesting, does your garden get allot of ladybirds, lacewing etc as a consequence or growing this aphid attractant spirea, could they now be keeping the aphid population under control, even though it's now gone. I'm reading everywhere that to first get the beneficial insects to move in, you have to ensure food supply, I. E host plants for aphids bring in ladybirds that then keep the whole population in check, even the extra critters created by the sacrifice plant

[@markg9971]

very informative great video

[@gort742]

Hi Charles , i am enjoying your tips on gardening as ever , i know this is an old video . The tip on using the bacterium Bacillus Thurigensis is very interesting . however i cannot seem to get it locally , having only seen it advertised from Italy , Spain and USA at £87 Kilo plus postage . Can i ask where you acquired yours . Thank You !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Gosh it's not so old! Nice you like it and now it's possible to buy the powder on Amazon, £11 or so I believe.

[@gort742]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thanks for your reply .

[@lynnrushton7458]

Thanks Charles! ....very helpful 👍

[@GPSJane]

So interesting. My carrots have no pests but beans and leaf crops get taken out by grasshoppers. I may have to start with nets.

[@bonnierinks3206]

Do you have any advise for rabbit, or other small animals who eat the tender shoots of plants? We were gone overnight and returned to only a few plants of the kale, chard, and spinach. We think it was rabbits or groundhogs. We garden in the mid west of the US. And we love your show!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Bonnie and it sounds like rabbits. You need some wire hoops and bird netting eg uv treated polypropylene, half inch squares, hope you can buy it. Or some kind of mesh. Covers are the only way I know as it's hard/expensive to exclude them altogether.

[@dtrubow]

Bonnie Rinks a dog works for some situations

[@igast96]

With regards to Bacillus thurigensis, as far as I am aware this product can only be used by professionals in the UK, and there are only two brands registered for use in GB. Can you please confirm you have done the proper research into the usage of this in garden settings?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I do hear that, and see no justification for it because it is simply a soil bacteria. It's on your plants already. And, non-professionals are allowed to use poisons such as Roundup and even worse things. Bt is not harmful to other insects or mammals.

[@beebob1279]

You have a lot more bird issues that I do. I have deer and squirrel issues. The ground hogs are tough because they work to get under anything to eat. And of course we all seem to have insect issues.

[@Gaspa79]

Are you in Canada? How did you deal with the squirrels and groundhogs?

[@pinkpeony2056]

Hello Charles... I recently subscribed to your channel. Another good channel for information is California Gardener which is where I learned about you. I too have pests but mine are bigger! Black bears, deer, feral hogs (a huge problem in the US), wild turkey, coyotes (livestock) plus the smaller opportunists such as groundhog, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, chipmunk and vole. The three worst are the bears, the hogs and the voles all so very destructive. Since I live alone I have given up my large veggie garden and have a small plot on a terrace adjacent to my house for tomatoes, peppers, herbs, etc. By the way do you have a problem with voles, rabbits or deer? Maybe some other critters? Your gardens are stunning; everything is so lush, beautiful and plentiful. I just love your videos. Thank you so very much for producing them. Regards, Maria

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks, and your solution sounds sensible! Around here are deer and rabbits, only a few voles. Luckily they do not come much in my garden, just sometimes so I have netting ready in case, especially over small plants.

[@pinkpeony2056]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you for your reply, Charles. My problem with the voles is that they use the mole tunnels and eat the plants from the roots up. They will even eat alliums! ! do not like to use pesticides in case a raptor should ingest a poisoned catch. I really appreciate your composting videos so making bins is next on the list of projects. I have been buying mushroom compost but it's expensive for a truck load. The weeds love it! Take care, Maria

[@kpepperl319]

I had to put netting on my radishes because the squirrels thought they can use my planter to bury their own acorns 🤦. It's been helpful keeping out all kinds of bugs too.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good work! (Nicola, Homeacres Team)

[@phirst55]

Brilliant and informative, as are all your tutorials Charles. So much so I thought I would try your methods here in the West of Ireland. Before trying the 'no dig' method of gardening on the field, that has only had cattle, sheep and horses on it for the last few decades, at the back of our house, I thought it would be beneficial to dig out the hundreds of deep rooted docks, to give the method a reasonable chance of working. Between 9-18 inches deep, there were about a dozen white Chafer Grubs with brown heads on each root as well as Crane Fly grubs nearer the surface. How can these be treated/eradicated with the organic/no dig method of gardening?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes Philip good to dig the large dock roots. I have suffered those pests and know no remedy except suffer a few losses, mostly year one.

[@phirst55]

Thank you Charles, I think they will abate over the years as the grassland has never been touched in decades, once they have grown into beetles, hopefully they will move away to undisturbed areas!!

[@davosat]

Can you make more videos about compost which is only made up from things in your garden ? I mean not mixed with manure or something not from your garden ? Thank you, great videos you got.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, the list is growing!

[@AshleyMillsTube]

2nd this, if you could do a video on compost that would be great. I'm really struggling to make my compost pile work.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I recently published a film on making compost kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZeZdHqgbN2jfKc

[@AshleyMillsTube]

OK thanks, I just checked it out, and am ready to give this another go. I went out and had a look at my heap and I think the issue is too many big stalks and things, and maybe moisture content. It looks like nothing is decomposing and some kind of small compost tragedy compared to yours. I think you just have some special magic powers Charles! Couple of questions if you don't mind: a) Do you think you need a wooden bottom to the compost heap or should it be in contact with soil? b) What would you do with things like Jerusalem artichoke stalks which are quite woody? What did you do before your chipper? Thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice of you to say and I am sharing my magic! Large pieces making large air pockets will certainly prevent composting. I hope it works for you: add some coffee grounds too.

[@cheriswigart7959]

Thank you for posting on this subject. I am Origionally from Oregon USA, now living in Northern Georgia USA. There are bugs here that I have never seen before. Someone suggested using neem oil dispersed in a mister with water. I wondered what your thoughts are about that. I also have pictures of a few pests, not sure how go send them.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds a challenge Cheri. I don't know neem oil and maybe you need it. I don't have time to diagnose, sorry.

[@Guylangloisartist]

Love your videos. Well done

[@aysen8366]

Great tips. Thank you very much👏👏

[@tessmonro7102]

Or if you have a border terrier like mine who loves his greens you'll see big bites out of your leaves. 😆 I tried hiding a cucumber plant in the flower bed but he found it.

[@figure8designs]

Mesh works well for me over hoops on my kale/broccoli bed against the cabbage moth.

[@lksf9820]

Charles, have you ever done anything on greenhouse red spider mite and tomato blight please? I can't find anything.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Not in a video. Sorry no time to go into details here.