Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: Elaine G on April 23, 2011, 22:29

Title: Lily Beetle
Post by: Elaine G on April 23, 2011, 22:29

I have picked 18  :ohmy: of these little devils off my fritillarias today. They don't seem to have found my lilies yet but I'm sure its only a matter of time.
So be alert folks, they like this good weather.

Elaine

Title: Re: Lily Beetle
Post by: snowdrops on April 23, 2011, 22:31

Oh no I didn't know they liked frittilaries as well. It seems that until I know about a disease or pest I don't have any trouble but once I do that's it I get it. ???

Title: Re: Lily Beetle
Post by: Trillium on April 24, 2011, 15:53

Before you pick them off, spread a white sheet around the plant and you'll find many dropping off before you can pick them. this way you can catch still more and put a good dent in their reproduction.

they also like to hide in the top half inch of soil so if possible, hoe  around plants to disturb eggs.

Title: Re: Lily Beetle
Post by: viettaclark on April 24, 2011, 22:37

I'm lucky in that the chickens are fantastic beetle munchers. I am not so lucky that they tend to damage my lilies whilst foraging..... ::)

Title: Re: Lily Beetle
Post by: Novice but totally hooked on April 25, 2011, 10:13

I've had my lillies 3 years and this is the first year I've had any problems with these little blighters.

I read that spraying the plants with veg oil is one way of dealing with the varmits.