This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
insects killing plant roots
Ernie 2
Posts: 10
After improving a very heavy clay soil I have planted many plants but have noticed some various plants are dead or dying while not all of the plant is suffering. I suspect that something is eating some of the roots. Is there an answer to this problem?
0
Posts
You need to find out if there is something eating the roots, and if so what sort of insect, so you're going to have to gently dig up some of your affected plants and carefully inspect the roots.
One of the most common culprits is the vine weevil larva - info here https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=234
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hi Ernie - you say you've improved a heavy clay soil.
I wondered if your problem could be caused by areas where water logging is still a problem despite your efforts (assuming you've had the heavy rain we have) or perhaps using farmyard / horse manure which has not been fully rotted and is 'burning' young plants.
If you're happy neither of these is the problem then I'd go with Dove's suggestion.
Your tips have been very helpful. Thank you for taking the time.
I HAVE FOUND RED [CENTREPEADS[? IN THE GROUND OF MY ALOTMENT GARDEN. ONE TELLS ME THEY ARE HARMLESS, ANOTHER TELLS ME TO WATER THE GROUND WITH AND GET RID //
PLEASE ADVISE THANKS BRIAN S
Centipedes?
They're carnivores. They won't eat your plants but they'll eat some of the things that do
In the sticks near Peterborough