[toseland]

Please can some one tell me why over the last 2 years all my carrots, beetroot and parsnips have not been successful! They start to grow and some thing is eating the new shoots, no evidence of slugs, do you think it would be mice? How do I stop this! Thanks, Liz

[mumofstig]

Hi toseland, and welcome to the site
I'm moving your post over to 'Grow your own' 

Would you please alter your profile to show your location, it does sometimes make a difference to the answers.

[paintedlady]

it is most likely to be slugs or snails toseland    They really do enjoy eating all our newly germinated seedlings and leave the weeds alone, and don't always leave tell tale trails either, especially slugs that hide in the soil.

[DavidT]

The member who said slugs are your problem could well be right, however I have to say i ve never had much trouble with them eating parsnip etc foliage,parsnips in particular, are not usually prone to any pests,what i would do is buy ant killer in a puffer pack ,you can get them at your local £1 shop,although its meant to be used indoors just for ants,I find its effective puffed on vegetables on the allotment,it stops loads of pests nibbling at your newly emerged seedlings,just stand down wind of it when you apply,as you dont want it blowing in your face

That is pretty irresponsible, if you don`t mind me saying. Do you know what chemicals you are eating by misusing this product? A product designed to kill ants indoors, is not meant to be used as a general pesticide on food crops.

[zazen999]

deleted as had quoted the post in question.

[Ice]

I'm going to agree with DavidT again.   This site can't condone the use of any chemicals except for those they are intended. 

[zazen999]

Hi Ice.

Would it not be worth deleting that post - so that nobody else sees it and thinks it's a good idea....?

[Ice]

Could do but most people on here I would hope wouldn't attempt this.  I'll see how it goes.

[zazen999]

I was thinking more about the newbies......who want a quick fix for everything...

[DavidT]

 If they read the thread properly, they will see the problems with misusing pesticides. Newbies want to learn, that includes using products correctly.

[Ice]

Your wish is my command.

[jondav]

deleted as had quoted the post in question.

  Oh I suppose all those overpriced sprays that come in fancy containers,that say they re just the job are safe! are they.If ant killer is so bad we shouldnt be using around the house,where kids and pets come into contact with it.I dare say the commercial grower uses things much more harmful than ant killer,on the crops he sells to us,in the cause of fairness you should print this reply,and let people make their own minds up

[Ice]

deleted as had quoted the post in question.

  Oh I suppose all those overpriced sprays that come in fancy containers,that say they re just the job are safe! are they.If ant killer is so bad we shouldnt be using around the house,where kids and pets come into contact with it.I dare say the commercial grower uses things much more harmful than ant killer,on the crops he sells to us,in the cause of fairness you should print this reply,and let people make their own minds up

You seem to want an argument.  On a public forum like ours we cannot be seen to condone the mis-use of any chemicals whether effective of not.  In the privacy of your own home you can use agent orange as far as I care.

You are not the first to raise this issue, it has been done ad infinitum.  The end.

[DavidT]

deleted as had quoted the post in question.

  Oh I suppose all those overpriced sprays that come in fancy containers,that say they re just the job are safe! are they.If ant killer is so bad we shouldnt be using around the house,where kids and pets come into contact with it.I dare say the commercial grower uses things much more harmful than ant killer,on the crops he sells to us,in the cause of fairness you should print this reply,and let people make their own minds up

The important thing to remember is, the commercial grower uses products allowed BY LAW for use on his or her crops. They do not take household pesticides and use them on  edible crops. YOU are poisoning your children by this reckless action, no one else.

[digalotty]

i wont risk it, i dont see the point when there are products out there designed for he job,
my family mean the world to me and seeds are cheap