Attention, Vegepod enthusiasts! As the Autumn sun continues to stick around, our beloved Vegepods have become battlegrounds for an infantry of pests, particularly the notorious Armyworm caterpillars. But fear not, fellow Podders, for we shall not surrender our precious greens without a fight!
Here's your arsenal of tips and tricks to fortify your Vegepod against these relentless invaders and other creepy crawlies lurking in the shadows.
The rise of the Armyworm army
First things first, armyworms are on the march, and they're targeting Vegepods with unprecedented ferocity. Blame it on the consistent warmth, but these pests are multiplying like, well, caterpillars.
Our top tips and tricks for keeping bugs at bay
Keep the Vegepod cover down
To thwart the advances of these voracious critters, keep your Vegepod cover down whenever possible. The cover acts as a protective shield, keeping unwanted pests at bay while allowing your plants to thrive in a controlled environment. Only lift the cover when necessary for tending to your garden, minimising the opportunities for pests to infiltrate.
Seed vs. seedlings: choose wisely
When starting your Vegepod garden, opt for seeds over seedlings whenever feasible. While seedlings may seem convenient, they can inadvertently introduce pests that have a penchant for munching on tender leaves. By starting from seeds, you reduce the risk of inviting unwanted guests to your green haven.
Quality soil: your first line of defence
Invest in high-quality premium soil for your Vegepod to create an inhospitable environment for pests like fungus gnats. These pesky insects thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soil, so choosing a soil mix specifically formulated for Vegepods can help keep them at bay.
Inspect, remove, repeat
Vigilance is key in the battle against garden pests. Regularly inspect your Vegepod and produce, checking under leaves and veggies for signs of eggs or caterpillar infestations.
If you spot any unwelcome visitors, promptly remove them by hand or implement the following ingenious tactics:
Night-time ambush: As dusk descends, deploy moistened hessian bags, damp towels or pieces of carpet near damaged vegetation. These makeshift shelters provide the perfect hiding spots for caterpillars seeking refuge from the elements. Come morning, collect the concealed culprits, and dispose of them accordingly — whether by feeding them to the birds or giving them a dunk in a bucket of soapy water. Sorry critters!
Molasses magic: For those facing a different breed of caterpillar (not the dreaded Armyworm), concoct a potent potion to repel these invaders. Mix a tablespoon of molasses and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (or liquid soap) with a litre of warm water. Once cooled, spray this solution liberally over the leaves, targeting both the top and bottom surfaces. Repeat regularly to keep caterpillars at bay and protect your precious produce.
Yates Dipel and Neem Oil: In the war against garden pests, sometimes you need reinforcements. Enter Yates Dipel, a natural insecticide that targets caterpillars while leaving beneficial insects unharmed. Alternatively, harness the power of Neem Oil, which boasts insect-repelling properties. However, exercise caution and ensure you thoroughly wash your produce before consumption, as these solutions are not recommended as food-safe.
Armed with these strategies, you're equipped to defend your Vegepod against the onslaught of Armyworms and other garden pests.
So, rally your gardening comrades, fortify your defences, and let the battle for bountiful harvests begin. With a little ingenuity and a lot of green determination, victory shall be yours!