[JayG]

When considering which protective netting to use, take into account that the carrot fly is about the size of a small house fly, so coarser types of netting will not do the job.

[strangerachael]

I have tried all different methods but the only thing that really works is covering them with fine mesh. I've been growing in an enviromesh tunnel the last few years and they are getting better year on year.

[kermit]

Pulled ours last night. About 30 in a small corner of one of our2feet high raised beds. No fly but some had bolted! Rock hard and inedible. The others tasted a but bland tbh. Early Nantes. Not sure if I will bother again either.

[DD.]

Sounds very much like lack of moisture. Can't blame the carrot!

[SnooziSuzi]

wasn't it you, DD, that said you never water yours; you just let them find their own....

[DD.]

Not when they're in a 2' high raised bed!

You've taken them 2' away from where they would find water. They're going to need a bit of help.

[SnooziSuzi]

touche

[MichelleC]

I've had exactly the same problem with my Early Nantes. I interplanted with Onions in early spring. They came out large and straight but found the maggots just starting to munch their way through. I also never thinned them out and also earthed up. Another Allotment holder (of 40yrs) told me 1) Never Thin them out. 2) Walk on them to compact the soil. It breaks the foliage down but it then springs back up. I was surprised as I heard that the foliage (if damaged) attracts the fly. Anyway he showed me his carrots and they were maggot free. I also notice that he didn't weed anything that grew directly next to the carrot, where as I did and this may have attracted the beasties too. I've tried some in a large tub about 4ft above ground but haven't harvested yet so we'll see how that theory turns out. It is really annoying when you're so looking forward to them. 

[Growster...]

Michelle, we have been pondering the benefits of treading/rolling down carrots during growth, to keep carrot fly away...

It seems that some people here disagree, but I still stay open-minded...

Mind you, I'm staying well clear of my last row, in case I bash them and get the blighters over for a look-see...

[sunshineband]

"Fly resistant" is not the same as "fly proof" unfortunately. The only sure fire way is a physical barrier.

AWWWW YES!

The only way as far as I am concerned. Eating maggot free carrots is a delight and well worth the effort of covering them.

I use old net curtains, which works just fine 

[kermit]

wasn't it you, DD, that said you never water yours; you just let them find their own....

Exactly - numerous people have said that!! Plus it has rained every day since April here. I did read that if they get an early cold spell that can cause bolting later on - and our may was like February. So more likely that. Still doesn't get around the fact that carrots are v diff. Possibly too diff to bother with for us incompetents!

[digalotty]

i will grow a perfect carrot ,    i will grow a perfect carrot ,   i will grow a perfect carrot

[webby139]

Just reading this an it's got me worried now.

I take it the only way of knowing about root fly is to pick a few and soak them in water for a while and see if anything pops out to see me then?

I have quite a few and they look like there doing well. I re-positioned 3 mint plants in the carrot bed to try and trick the little horror's, maybe it worked.

I'm gonna pick a few tonight and see what happens.

I'll keep you informed.

 

[DD.]

I take it the only way of knowing about root fly is to pick a few and soak them in water for a while and see if anything pops out to see me then?

Not really, there are usually black thread marks on the outside of the carrot and the root may grow distorted. If you have them really badly, the leaves may wilt and go yellow.

It's easy enough to see them if you cut into the carrot during preparation.

[hogwarden]

Do the `flyaway`/resist type seeds work?-do they taste OK?-just a thought as this seems to a big prob. everywhere