"Martin Sykes" wrote in
message ...
I'm in my 3rd year of weedkiller/pesticide free gardening and the
results so
far seem encouraging although too soon to say it's definitely the
reason :

1. Almost no slug/snail damage this year, even on the hostas. I've
been
encouraging the birds ( there is now a regular thrush and a decent
pile of
smashed snail shells) and using pistachio shells round the hostas.

2. Hardly an aphid of any variety to be seen anywhere ( although no
significant increase in ladybirds/lacewings either as far as I can
tell )

Still causing problems though a

1. Chafer grubs in the lawn despite the best efforts of the
starlings

2. Mildew

And has anyone noticed that with the increase in bees etc., the
flowers seem
to be over almost as soon as they've begun ?

On balance though, it's definitely a less stressful and cheaper way
to
garden...

Don't get your hopes up too high.
Generally it has been a pretty poor year for most insects.
Only way to measure your 'success' is to compare with others in your
locality.
In my area, bees, wasps and hoverflies seem to have thrived but
butterflies, moths, ladybirds and aphids have been well down on
normal.
....... and I am happy to share my garden with them all. :-))

--
ned

http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk
last update 08.08.2005