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Baz[_3_] · 06-09-2011, 12:10 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

(Peter James) wrote in
news:1k760tl.rvq8h7lwluw6N%pfjames2000@googlemail. com:

I put in a row of fly resistant carrots from Unwins, variety "Flyaway"
back in June and started to lift them this month.
Alas, every one is affected by carrot fly and some very badly. It
hardly seems worth the expense if this is the result. The seeds cost
about 3 times the cost of ordinary carrot seed, and for what.

Has anyone else on the NG tried this type out before, and with what
results.

Peter

Peter,
I had carrot fly the first 2 years I have grown them.
"Flyaway" were as bad as the others.
The only thing that stops them is to make a wooden frame at least 2' high
and cover the 4 sides, but not the top, with clear polythene. It really
works and this is my second year doing it this way.
The theory is that the fly doesn't fly high and hugs the ground. It works
for me so I will keep on until the little bugger evolves to fly higher.
Earlier this year I sowed inside my frame and also a few on open soil, no
thinning, and the open soil ones were riddled with the fly grub wheras the
ones in the frame are spotless.
BTW I used Autumn King this year, they proved to be the best for me last
year

The frame as you can imagine needs to be sturdy because when covered with
polythene the winds knock it about a great deal. I used 38mm by 25mm rock
laths (because they are Tanalised) and braced every corner with the same
timber. Heavy guage Polythene too. Should last for years. Is it all worth
the time and money? Yes I think so if only for the superb taste of freshly
dug carrots. Nothing like shop bought tasteless ones.

Hope this helps.
Baz