Here are the easiest Ways to Propagate Christmas Cactus that will help you get it blooming right across the festive season!
08.11.2023 - 10:49 / gardenersworld.com
It’s always disappointing when harvesting carrots, only to find them riddled with tunnels caused by the larvae of the carrot root fly. Often the tunnels are only at the top of the root and can therefore be cut away, leaving the rest of the carrot to be eaten, but heavy infestations mean that the whole crop can be lost.
Carrot fly is attracted to carrots by their scent. In spring the females emerge from hibernation to mate, before looking for somewhere to lay their eggs. They can detect the scent of carrots from a mile away and will make short work of your neat rows, laying their eggs in the surrounding soil which will hatch into larvae that will burrow into the nearest roots.
While it’s impossible to completely eradicate carrot fly, there are many ways to stop them taking hold. A healthy growing environment will ensure carrot fly affects only small amounts of carrots rather than the whole crop, while clever tricks like adjusting the timings of your sowings, erecting physical barriers and welcoming wildlife can also limit the amount of damage they cause. Find out more, below.
Choose resistant varietiesChoose varieties that have been bred for their resistance to carrot fly, such as ‘Flyaway’, ‘Ibiza’, ‘Maestro’, ‘Parano’, ‘Resistafly’ and ‘Sytan’. These varieties aren’t completely resistant to attack but are far less susceptible than others, so could be an option if your plot is particularly prone to them.
Avoid thinning out carrotsThe process of thinning out carrots releases the wonderful carroty scent that attracts the egg-laying female carrot fly. By sowing thinly you reduce the need to thin out your crop after germination, and therefore the likelihood of a carrot fly finding your carrots.
Create physical barriersCov
Here are the easiest Ways to Propagate Christmas Cactus that will help you get it blooming right across the festive season!
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