Bob177

What's eating my beans, fennel...and well everything now!

Most of my veg has been harvested, and the only creatures I have come across are spiders. Because the mesh is pinned to the raised bed walls by timber batons, and I have not come across the familiar ' slime trail', I would be pretty miffed if they have found their way inside. All slugs & snails I have come across this year, have been destroyed. Here's hoping.

obelixx wrote (see)

There are several beasties that cut holes or chunks in leaves.  OK when it' s leaf cutter bees but not when it's vine weevil adults as that means their offspring are probably chewing through the roots.  May be worth fossicking in the soil to see if tehy're present and then either picking them out or treating with nematodes before they work their way through the garden.

Slugs burrow in the soil or under leaves and stones by day and snails are pretty clever at hiding so you may simply be not seeing them.

Tomato Ripening

I have grown tomatoes (in the greenhouse) for the first time this year, and although I have a decent crop on them, not one has started to ripen. I have thin plastic shading to protect the contents from shrivelling (when we do get some sun), but I am concerned that as we have now entered September, I am running out of time. Anyone else in the same boat as me, that can offer some assurance? Thanks 

What's eating my beans, fennel...and well everything now!

All my veg has been protected by a very fine netting called 'enviromesh', but still I have come across holes or chunks missing from the leaves. I am confident it is not slugs & snails because it is tightly pinned to all my raised beds, and I have never come across any when I have gone inside. What it is, I don't know, natural causes I suppose. 

Harvesting Squash

 I started growing Squash for the first time this year, and this is the sole harvest from 4 plants. Two went by the wayside early on,because I was unaware they had to be pollinated. Despite efforts to do this with my other two, this is the only one that pollinated properly. I will not bother next year because they are too fiddely, and take up far too much room. What I need to know is,  is this one is ready to be removed, and allowed to harden a little. I hope the pics are clear enough.  Many thanks.

Strawberry Plants - When Do You Cut Them Back?

Hi Bookertoo, Two of the plants have been in the greenhouse, hence the question about watering. The others are in a hanging basket outside, and  very well watered, here in Birmingham.

Strawberry Plants - When Do You Cut Them Back?

Thanks Geoff, will do as you suggest. They are gonna have a haircut.

Strawberry Plants - When Do You Cut Them Back?

Although I have some strawberry plants that are due to crop around September, We have some that we only bought in spring/early summer as plants, and now have clearly finished cropping. Do I need to wait for them to fade before cutting back, or can I do it now. If I need to wait, will they still need to be watered.  Thanks 

Are My Shallots Ready?

I pulled all mine today, not particularly big in size, and rather sodden. I think our wonderful summer has held them back. Don't think it will be too long before my red onions go the same way. 

Some Squash is Turning Soft

lucky3 wrote (see)

I polinate  the plants myself . It is easy , wait until you have a male and female flower (at first you tend to get an abundance of male flowers but dont worry , femals will come) . The females have a lump behind the petals

Take a male flower , peal the petals down and insert it into the female . If you have a number of plants it shouldnt be a problem amongst them there are sure to have quite a selection  to mix and match ! hope this helps.

I have 3 plants, and about 3 flowers have formed into acorn type shape. I currently have 3 in flower, but I am not quite sure where to look, with regards to the lump. There is no sign of any lump on the petal itself, only tentacles. The base of the petals all look the same. I have lost another 2 today, although there still appears to be plenty of buds.

Are My Shallots Ready?

Thanks Joe, I will remove them when the 'deluge' has passed. I will probably hang them up in my garage though, facing the sun, that's when we finally get some. 

Tomato Ripening

Harvesting Squash

Strawberry Plants - When Do You Cut Them Back?

Some Squash is Turning Soft

Are My Shallots Ready?

Help - Aubergines & Peppers

Red Onions - Buds Forming

Brussels Sprout- How high do they grow?

Squash - Yellow Leaves