Pests

Spring is such a hopeful time.  Everything is new and fresh, and the possibilities seem endless.  Then, summer pests and diseases start to appear and soon the reality of home grown produce sinks in. Bugs, slugs, fungus, mold... suddenly where there were six bean plants now there are only three.

The midge is the pest that probably prevents our enjoyment of gardening more than any other. But we do have our fair share of fungal and insect pests in our garden.  This summer the slugs and bugs managed to get away with murder as there was just too much for us to do, to be able to keep an eye on their activities.


Slugs and caterpillars set up residence in the broccoli -- and they've eaten it all

This wee beauty was found on a blueberry leaf (and re-homed in a wild raspberry patch)

Midge larvae cause the currant leaves to curl up and die, but don't harm the fruit at all

Potatoes are mottled with strange skin growths (anyone know what this is?)

Slugs and snails EVERYWHERE.  Many early bean plants and courgettes were lost to slugs.  What is the point of growing hostas when they look like this?

Apples are crusty and cracked with scab

These sawfly caterpillars ate the Solomon's Seal down to practically nothing -- but they were fascinating to watch (and there were SO many of them)

Despite all this, we had some great crops this year and have eaten lots of home grown veggies.  The kale, chard and peas were remarkably pest-free.  The potatoes and apples are tasty regardless of how they look.  The broccoli on the other hand.... I haven't been brave enough to go near it.

I suppose a few plants lost to bugs and slugs won't be missed, but I would prefer it if they left some for us!