[TessaMember]

We have had the opposite experience, our no dig garden has reduced the damaged caused my mice etc.

We used to loose over 25% of our root crops to voles and mice.  First I tried to catch them, but as our war progressed I learnt to kill them, it was a question of veg or no veg.  I wasn’t very successful at killing them and they were very good at destroying my crop.

As my garden grew I moved the potatoes out and finally had a real no dig garden, and wonders of wonders almost no voles damage.  This was too good to be true so I started asking my neighbours – no change for them.

I know the tunnels are still there and I have come to the conclusion that if I don’t disturb the tunnels they go about their business and leave my veg alone.  This is the second season with hardly loss of my root veg, I have been gardening this plot for 8 years.  I actually have parsnips (a great favourite of my furry friends) this year.

I did wonder last year if we were just having an exceptionally lucky year but my neighbours continue to have lots of problems (they turn their gardens over each sprint) and I am a very happy gardener!

PS I guess the voles are happier too

[TessaMember]

Charles, Thanks for your reply. I think I knew I was going to buy your winter veg book anyway, just needed to convince my hubby. As it was him that did the digging he’s been won over very quickly with that one. Luckily I have a wonderful cellar to store most veg where the temperature is constant. Unfortunately it is bear at the moment, a few jars of tomate confit are all that remains and I’ve been forced back into the shops to buy my veg. I’ve already bought some winter salad to try out this year, and I’m keen to try anything that will survive.
I find your book really useful and enjoy the tips, I only wish I learnt gardening from an early age and from being in the garden with someone, sad to have to learn from a book but it is working and I will pass on the skills to my daughter.
cheers Tessa

[TessaMember]

Up here in the mountains all my neighbours let their pumpkins roam free on their decomposing manure heaps, the manure is spread over the gardens the following year. It’s only a question of space. We tried it very successfully last year.

[Author]

Posts