[Boothy]

I am growing peas in troughs which seem to be getting eaten when they get to about 2 inches tall.  First of all I notice the plants becoming quite pale and then they just fall over, seemingly chewed at about the point where they come out of the ground.  What could be doing this and how can I prevent it and save what is left?

[richyrich7]

Not to wet are they ? could be rotting off rather than being eaten, if your not organic use a cheshunt compound soloution this will control any mould/rot spores about, also apply slug pellets just in case.

[Boothy]

Cheers Richy

Not rotting, at least i don't think so - soil looks fine.  Did notice lots of little insects in the soil so used some insecticide (non-organic) which seems to have got rid of them.  Also noticed the bigger plants were having their leaves nibbled and decided to use some cloches.  Unfortunately when my back was turned my two year old daughter decided to give a helping hand and re-site the cloches - taking half the plants down in the process.  I wouldn't mind but I'm growing the peas for her - her favourite food!!

[splodger]

are the leaves biten in small semi circles at first then nothing?

if so - pea / bean weavil is the likely culprit.

i've just found out that my alloment site is riddled with it.

lost my first sowings - but i put down a good sprinkle of old soot and hoed the ground - the attack has stopped for now.

they only seem to attack the very new shoots and leave older plants alone - so try transplanting.

i believe a sprinkling of lime will also thwart them.

an old mate of mine buries tins in the affected areas and the weavils fall in but can't get out - but i haven't tried that yet - might if they come back.

[Boothy]

insecticide worked - just picked the first pods - daughter tucking in happily as I type