[urbansmallholderMember]

Just had a quick look through pests, diseases and disorders and the only thing that seems to fit the description is lettuce root aphid. Might be worth ‘googling’ it to see if this is right??

[urbansmallholderMember]

Thanks Charles, I’ve been watering the bases of the plants rather than the whole plants but I’m afraid that I did have to rip up quite a few off of one bed as they got to the point where there was just no looking back!!. I have left the ones with the ladybirds on though so they at least have something to nibble on! I have been covering the beds with compost but maybe have to use a bit more. It also explains why I have other beds of beans that are not so badly infested as those beds have had a lot of compost on them and it goes to the other extreme where I have one bed of beans that are huge, brilliant growth, loads of flowers, no pests (not even bean weevil leaf nibbles). The bed has only just been made from permanent goat pasture with added goat manure, the seeds were also planted directly rather than pot grown, just goes to show that the soil has a lot to answer for – all the seeds were the same brand from the same supplier just grown in different areas!!
Sara

[urbansmallholderMember]

I can add that I have had beds both of wood and without. The wooden one are ok but yes they do make it easier for the pests to hide and if your paths are a bit rough (such as mine are) then the weeds can also wriggle their way through. I had mine for 15 years and I’m now slowly getting rid of the wooden beds and just mounding them up gently.
I’ve seen Charles’ gardens first hand and they are exceptional, I aspire to this!!

[urbansmallholderMember]

Thanks for that, I’ll give it a go as I’m getting so fed up with sowing stuff and none of it coming up! Having to go back to sowing in pots then transplanting at the moment.

[urbansmallholderMember]

Hi Pauline,
The only thing I can possibly say about couch is if you’re pulling it by hand then please wear gloves, I have been speared and it does hurt. But it does feel good when you pull a whole piece out completely!!!

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