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Carrot root fly- Help

• Message 1. 

  Posted by whatalottie (U9072847) on Thursday, 27th May 2010

  On our plot we have problems with carrot root fly.
  
  Before you say I need to put up a barrier, done that. One year 2ft (60cm?) high environmesh, another year fleece completely covering the whole bed. I've planted them next to onions etc. - haven't yet tried a sacrificial row, I'll do that this year. Other people have the same problem so it's not just me being inefficient.
  
  After a lot of investigation I've discovered that carrotfly pupate overwinter in the ground so they appear inside the barrier. (Lots of naughty swear words that would get me bumped).
  
  I have begun to wonder if I can beat the so-and-sos by putting a barrier UNDNEATH the carrots; something like weed control fabric, I think that environmesh wouldn't stop them,
  I the catterpillars(?)are too small and would be able to get through the holes. I'd then be able to fill the frame with soil and fleece it etc.
  
  The question is what do I use for soil? I clearly can't just dig up a bit from elsewhere, so what do you suggest?
  
  It's now war bwtween me and the rootflies, I'm determined to get a decent crop this year; it would be admitting defeat to use a container.
  I'm sure someone out there ingenious enough to think up some way to outwit them?
  
  Thanks, Lottie
  
  
  
  
  
  

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by pjgolf (U2469936) on Thursday, 27th May 2010

  Hi.
  
  I have found something on this (see below)
  I am also trying something this year which I saw on Gardeners world a few years ago. Monty Don visited a bloke on an allotment and he was earthing up his carrots. He claimed that with this method, he had very little damage to his carrots. I did mine last night (just pulling up some soil around the stems so they are covered)
  Take a look at the article though. There are some other methods to try.
  Hope this helps
  
  PJ
  
  

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 2.

  Posted by calculad (U3607616) on Thursday, 27th May 2010

  I grow some earlies in tall (12") pots filled with home made compost. Already eating some as you can bring them on in warmer place, but you have to water. I do get fly in my maincrops but not in the pots standing near them.
  Also trying the alleged CRF resistant type Flyaway F1 this year.
  K

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by whatalottie (U9072847) on Tuesday, 1st June 2010

  Thank you all for your help. I'm sorry that I haven't been back to you (guess where I've been, we come home when it gets dark!).
  
  The website was particularly helpful I'll try growing tehm in a pot too.
  
  Thank you again,
  Lottie

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