How to Vegetables always die in our garden

Hi,

hope someone has some tips for us with our garden problem.

Our vegetables die every time.
1) Some of my plants have some holes in the leaves, after that the plants dying (tomatoes, strawberries, salad)
2) Other plants they are cut from the root (spearmint, other tomatoes, onions)

We have a lot of ants here (East Balabag) but maybe there are some other insects that destroy the plants.
Has maybe someone an idea what we could do?

Thanks in advance!

Lukas

 

In brief, allowing those who garden a lot here to answer in more detail from experience:

You mention ants or other insects, but I would have thought mice could be responsible for cutting stems.

Insects do transmit diseases when biting into plants (also transmit to animals and others, of course) and the holes may be an indication of insect damage leading to plant diseases causing death of the plants. BUT, it is also possible that plant are dying for other reasons - climate problems such as too much direct sun, too hot generally, too humid, too dry.

I gardened a lot in the UK but here only put some ornamental plants in pots - and found it more of a struggle than in the UK to maintain them in good condition. Others have posted here about specific problems with tomatoes and you might find those postings by doing a search.

As in gardening anywhere, some main factors for success are: Healthy stock (seeds or plants), correct location (soil type and sun/wind direction), shading if required, careful watering (too much is as bad as too little), correct feeding, checking for pests on a regular basis and providing protection if necessary.

I may have missed some things but the asawa is now in bed so it is my duty to follow toot suite!

 

I’ve virtually given up on tomato’s, strawberry’s and the like. Strike that I have. I’ve taken the advice of ‘er indoors n fallen back on native veg.

In terms of the leaves n compost I find the process a little more lengthy, but regular topping up with pig poo seems to get results. The garden is full of beans, chayote and acorn squash. Lots of herbs n flowers/plants too.

Just a suggestion why not pay a farmers lad to consult to you? I have a lad that comes down from the mountain x1-2 pweek to do the heavier lifting and provide advice. He gets fed and walks away P300 pday richer. He’s been with us for the last 5 years and his brother before for 2-3 before he went OFW. Apart from it being a great way to foster relationships in your community the garden gets grown. Part of the family now.

good luck!

C

 

Make your own organic insecticide, using Garlic, Chillies, boil up in water then add liquid soap and spray the plants. An alternative to this is get some Malathion from one of the feed stores, mostly it is used for Chickens to keep them lice free, it is very cheap at P36 a bottle. There is another very Old method and that is using Tobacco leaves boiled in water, always use some soap as a surfactant, I do believe that the Tobacco spray is not good for Tomatoes?
If I had the room where I live at the moment I would have a Polytunnel covered all over with shade netting, you can get the netting here rated at 30 to 50% shading, if the tunnel was fully enclosed by this it will stop the passing predators like Butterflies, plus most plants do not like full sun and will do better in the shade, putting plants in containers/pots which are much larger than the canopy of the plant will cause waterlogging and neck rot, where the plant will rot at soil level, but as someone else suggested it is more likely to be Mice causing your problem?

 

If using a poly tunnel a good idea is to have a water fall at one end and a big extract fan at other this will produce the correct humidity in the tunnel and create a better climate in the tunnel, will also stop the tunnel collapsing in the heat.

 

We've had the same issues; wife swears it is birds, I think mice/rats. My best recommendation is to start in seed flats, covered in netting to keep things out and then transplant when large enough. Soil is also very important. We go with a 50/50 of vermicompost and rice hulls, once they are going good you can use an organic fertilizer (compost) or more vermicompost.

Best of luck!

Shawn

 

The late great (dig the accent, it’s disguised Welsh) Erik Robson treats Penelope Keith’s question with due shrift (it’s not rude). I digress, BBC Radio 4 Gardeners Question time can answer most queries.



He even gives Germaine Greer’s lost Budlia Articulia on the South Wall serious consideration.

We simply cannot compete. North East West, Eucalyptus Trees, rolls the R’s and the 3rd year, Molly wishes to keep it young with her pruners. Sheesh.

the answers besides secateurs in June can be found in this much loved weird Brit show.

cheers C.

 

Sorry I made a mistake when I said use a Polytunnel covered in shade netting, what I should have said was; use a Polytunnel type of frame and cover with shade netting, even a Bamboo frame would do, I cannot see it being possible to grow plants here under Glass or Polythene they would be fried in 5mins.

 

I have seen nurseries use poly tunnels under shade cloth for very small seedlings. The intent is to protect the seedlings from spores and bugs in the environment.

 

Thanks for the answers!!!

I think the best solution is to have a poly tunnel.
I am sure that issue comes not from the birds or rats, its some kind of insects.

My house is rented, I don't want to put a poly tunnel here. If I have an own lot (hope soon) I can do it. I try it now with some organic sprays.

Regards

Lukas