[liz from the fizz]

The allotment is under way slowly and i havent a clue about nematode application or actually even if i need them on the lottie, however i think in my garden the nematodes would be a real plant saver.

[crowndale]

Usually now would be a good time as slugs like it damp.  I applied my first lot about three weeks ago.  You either need a watering can or a special applicator for the hose.  Basically you mix the powdered nematodes into the water, spour it over the patch (avoiding vegetation if poss to save wastage) and then give it another water.  you'll get full instructions on the packet.  The ground needs to stay damp I think for around two weeks to be effective.  that said the first slugs I have seen this year I saw yesterday under grass that had been wetted every day prior to turning it over (not nematoded).  haven't seen any on my vege patch at all this year, but I used the nematodes last year as well.  The sellers reckon you need to apply every 6 weeks for full protection from underground slugs.  I have noticed a decimation of the snail population as well although it isn't aimed at or cliaming to control these.

[WG.]

I haven't used them but I seem to remember reading about a minimum soil temperature for application ...

[mkhenry]

I haven't used them but I seem to remember reading about a minimum soil temperature for application ...

WG is right yet again. They are temperature sensitive and you need to follow the instructions carefully. However although they do work very well the are very expensive,and if a gardener like WG has never used them perhaps you should think do you really need them.What problem are you trying to cure.Do you in fact have a problem. If you are not sure check around have any other lottie holders used them.If they have why if not save your money and spend it on compost and manure.

[WG.]

Thank you, mkhenry, for your kind words.

There is no perfect answer to the slug problem but I have formulated a philosophy which helps me to cope.  Basically, I just accept that some losses are inevitable.   Granted I have a large garden & hence have the luxury of planting more than I expect to survive, but I also tend to keep plants in reserve (in containers) to replant any gaps which arise.

[mkhenry]

Thank you, mkhenry, for your kind words.

There is no perfect answer to the slug problem but I have formulated a philosophy which helps me to cope

In other words you have learned to live with nature instead of fighting it all the time .A very wise philosophy indeed. And very much in accordance with all the great gardeners. Seeds should nowadays be planted with this thought in mind.
One for the slug, one for the crow, one to rot, and one to grow.
This plus your great attidude to your little foes will always win in the end. You will get a better and healthier crop and great peace of mind.    

[ytyynycefn]

I'm planning to apply my nematodes either tomorrow or Monday, if it's rained.  I've got a few too many slugs hiding under all my lovely mulches (especially under the black plastic on the spud beds) and there's a limit to what I can do with a pair of scissors  :twisted:

I used them last year, and they were very effective - just one application in June (I didn't plant until late in the year, as had only just got my plot) did the whole season, pretty much.  Soil needs to be at 5C, btw.

With a mostly organic approach, I'm resigned to some losses, but I'm still going to use everything in the armoury if it means I can yet the best yield from the space and effort I'm putting in!

[jackiestagg]

I used nemaslug 3 years running and walloped the slug population. The snail population exploded to fill the ecological niche left empty and now I have millions of snails. Any kind of 'control' has consequenses.

[ytyynycefn]

Oh *.  Hadn't thought of that!