Carrot root fly barrier

[Eddie Spud]

Hi all,

Forgive me if this has been asked before (can not see it anywhere).

I have just put some carrot seeds into a raised bed, but can anyone tell me what the minimum height is for a barrier around the plants to keep off the carrot root fly.

Many thanks.

Eddie Spud

[2dogs]

hi eddie
i think its 2ft. ive had no problems at this height for the past couple of years.
altho ive been told 18inches is enough!
best be safe than sorry i suppose.

[marmite]

Hello acording to a veg allotment program on sky tv, the allotment holders in Cardiff suggested 32ins. So what I want to know is my garden wall is 48ins high how do they get in? The gate is always closed. The allotment holders used 45 gallon blue tubs just high enough they said. I have placed a tape messure by carrots and sticky tape just to see how high they fly. Hope you all had a good weekend and not to much sun. Regards Marmite.

[DavidT]

I`ve always thought that they couldn`t fly higher than about 15". I`m looking forward to the results of your experiment Marmite.

[smithyveg]

I 'grow to show' which means I grow my long carrots in old plastic oil drums mounted on metal frames full of sand.....giving me a total height of 5' plus.

Let me assure you all that carrot fly can fly this high as I am regularly troubled by this pest and have to apply an insecticide. If you don't like doing that the only sure fire method of preventing attack is to erect some form of barrier to cover them completely but then of course you need to remember to water them as the rain won't be able to get in.

There are one or two varieties that are said to be resistant (Flyaway and Resistafly I think) but never having grown them I wouldn't know how successful they can claim to be.

Simon

[Eddie Spud]

Many thanks for your comments all.

Kind regards
Eddie Spud

[Lez]

I will also look forward to your experiment marmite. I grew carrots in a barrier 3 foot high and they still got in. I use enviromesh now, it's a pain when you want to weeding etc but it does work. I watched the same prog set in wales and did notice that no mention of fly was made in london. it could of worked in wales as they were on a steep hill and though they say the fly goes no higher than 32" if they are caught in the up draft as they breeze meets your barrier they will be lifted up and in and no chpice in the matter. still I wish all good luck in the new season.

[marmite]

Hello Lez. I am glad you saw the same program as I did. I was thinking I could have been dreaming about the 32 inches. Maybe the fly wont come to London as we have so much polution.
Smithyveg. As you grow for showing what do you do with the veg after, can you or do you eat it, is the taste the same as a small veg. Or has length caused the flavor to diminish. Regards Marmite now putting bigger tape measure on stick.

[smithyveg]

Marmite,

The most important thing about 'show veg' is the quality. The taste of show veg is no different compared to shop bought or bog standard allotment veg.....as long as you don't mind eating veg that has had the odd chemical sprayed on it.

Show veg is merely seed that has been reselected over many years to increase the size, or else varieties that can be grown to an exact and uniform standard.

It's not rocket science either. Anyone can do it with a bit of dedication and knowledge, and your local village show is a good place to start and to learn the skills required if you're interested.

Simon

Smithyveg!

[marmite]

Hello Smithyveg. So as chemicals are used on some is there a section for organic large veg. I know they would be smaller, but can organic large veg be grown for show aswell. I am sometimes an organic gardener. I have never been to a show as in my area the kids / adults steal or trash veg on allotments. There should be an open season on those people.And do you find the judges favor the same growers or am I in with a chance. Regards Marmite (Now going out in garden to hang weights on my runner beans)

[Lez]

I showe once and got 3 firsts, a second and four thirds. no big deal had £1.50 in prize money. I did not realise that some off my fellow competitors were not being friendly but finding information. I found my veg had been turned over the next year just before the show. I looked at it as I must of got them very worried if they have to resort to that. I thought the world of showing only really got serious at national standard but there are some who hate losing with a passion. it is after all supposed to be fun. I know who did it but proving it is another thing. the next year I grew my stuff at home and beat them which made the victory oh so sweet. have a go at the local show coz if what you grow is good to show then you ( in my opinion) better than alright. good luck.

[smithyveg]

Marmite

I sense a seed of interest has germinated in you!

People have suggested organic only veg sections at shows but how would you prove it? You expect to see gobsmacking veg at shows because it is exactly that...a SHOW. You wouldn't go to see the Queen if she turned up in jeans and slippers would you?

Organic veg can compete of course, if it is grown really well and you eliminate all pests as soon as you spot them. The important criteria in showing veg is QUALITY, uniformity, colour with size only getting a small percentage of the points. Of course a well grown monster will always beat a well grown tiddler but I have won with small onions in a class which contained some huge onions because they hadn't been well grown, were misshapen and not very ripe.

If the show is well run the judge will have no idea whose veg they are looking at. But they will pick up and examine every single veg to spot any faults or imperfections in their quest to award 1-2-3. If they are RHS or NVS trained they will also not be blinded by size or the way they have been displayed.

So you have a go Marmite. If you need any tips over the coming months just email me and I'll answer (smithyveg@aol.com).

Lez.....sorry to hear about the sabotage on your stuff. It doesn't happen too often I don't think but is pathetic when it does. I bet you loved seeing their faces the year after. I suffered at the hands of an old boy who tried to snap off a load of my cabbage leaves at a show once under the pretence he was trying to help, when in fact all he was trying to do was make them as small as his! I managed to stop him before he'd gone too far and duly beat him. He didn't like it. Happily, apart from him I've only ever received encouragement and camaraderie from other growers and it's great fun. Keep at it.

Smithyveg!

[DavidT]

Marmite, give it a go. As long as you don`t take it too serious you will have masses of fun. And when you see those cards next to your exhibits you will be chuffed as beans. Try and get hold of a book called, Growing and Showing Vegetables by Tom Fenton, ISBNO-7153-8577-1.

[marmite]

Thankyou all for the replies. I have taken them on board and will discus with my dear wife. There is a veg club in my area,I will venture along to their meetings to see what the people are like. If only they were like the members on this site not only would it be fun, the world would be a safer and happier place. Ps If you thought you had pig flu would you look for rashers . Best wishes Marmite

[Eddie Spud]

Originally Posted by marmite

Ps If you thought you had pig flu would you look for rashers . Best wishes Marmite

Marmite, if you found any rashers would you rub some oinkment on them

[marmite]

I was going to put a joke here but I was telling a porky. Do you think they will bring back Pinky and Porky now. OOOOOPPPPPPPPs shows my age.

[marmite]

I have started a new thread in Gen chat about growing for showing. That rhymes. Marmites a poet and doesn't know it.