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Hodgson Biologic
2 Klarides Village Drive
Box 205
Seymour, Connecticut
06483

203-888-3898

In Connecticut's
Naugatuck Valley

Event:

The Price Is Eternal Vigilance

Date:

May 8th, 2009.

We have had wet weather for over a week now, and the soil was slow to warm up this spring. Conditions are right for:

Slugs

Fungal growth

Close inspection is needed to find and remove slugs. They can hide from a quick glance, so you need to get close to the plants, and touch them. Wear your glasses, if you need them. Gently turn leaves over, to find those hiding underneath. Gently push leaves aside so that you can look closely at the base of the plant, and at the soil.

When you find a slug, either plunk it into a container that can be brought to your chickens or ducks for snack, fling the slug far away from your garden, or (I do not want to know the gory details) do it in.

Crushed eggshells can be a good slug deterrent, if they are crushed finely enough (they can slide right over pieces that are larger and smooth). Diatomaceous earth is useful, but can wash away in the rain. Some people use copper bands, but copper is an element that is helpful in small amounts, harmful in larger amounts. Determining that harmful level can be a bit tricky. Be careful.

Some have success using beer bait traps. They sink a pie tin or cat food can into the soil up to the top of the container, then fill the container with (inexpensive) beer. Slugs are attracted to beer, and fall in and drown. My own experience in Ohio was that the raccoons did not share with the slugs. sigh.

Fungal growth can be hard to detect early, but it is worth trying.

Fungal diseases can be in the soil or can be introduced by insects. Again, close observation gives good information. Look for discoloration, fuzziness that is not characteristic for the plant, soft spots, or funny smells (yes, you should sniff your plants).

Sometimes removing the affected part is all you need to do. Sometimes you need to remove the affected plant. It is easier to deal with this, generally, with annuals than perennials. Crop rotation can often break the cycle of reinfection.

For preventive measures, crop rotation, proper disposal of infected plant parts, and keeping the area free of detritus can help. Another thing to remember is that healthy soil makes for healthy plants.

I have been told that compost tea is good for preventing fungal infections I may be trying that out, since this year I have planted potatoes here for the first time (I used to grow them in Ohio).