I think I'm becoming a gardener!
What gives me this idea? Well I've dug up a very old rose root, dug out a 3
foot oak sapling and I'm winning the battle of the dandelions but these are not the biggest clues. I went out in the garden after the rain stopped and walked carefully round loads of slugs and snails. I then thought about it, went back and put on my wellies and walked back equally carefully not round them talking to myself to disguise the noise! I feel guilty but keep telling myself that it's quicker for them than pellets! Sue |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Sue" wrote in message ... What gives me this idea? Well I've dug up a very old rose root, dug out a 3 foot oak sapling and I'm winning the battle of the dandelions but these are not the biggest clues. I went out in the garden after the rain stopped and walked carefully round loads of slugs and snails. I then thought about it, went back and put on my wellies and walked back equally carefully not round them talking to myself to disguise the noise! I feel guilty but keep telling myself that it's quicker for them than pellets! You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Steve http://mysite.freeserve.com/steveandmaggiesplot |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Sue" wrote in message ... What gives me this idea? Well I've dug up a very old rose root, dug out a 3 foot oak sapling and I'm winning the battle of the dandelions but these are not the biggest clues. I went out in the garden after the rain stopped and walked carefully round loads of slugs and snails. I then thought about it, went back and put on my wellies and walked back equally carefully not round them talking to myself to disguise the noise! I feel guilty but keep telling myself that it's quicker for them than pellets! Don't worry I think it has happened to me aswell. Only had a garden of my own for two years, but I think I've started to turn into my Dad. Isn't getting old great ;-) p.s. I must go slug hunting soon, before the little devils eat my emerging bulbs. Sue |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Sue |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Yes, slugs are their favourite. They won't eat all of them, but you can't have everything. Pellets poison the slugs, and then if frogs eat the slugs, they get poisoned too :-(( Rough guide to what's in the garden - Slow is bad (slugs/snails/caterpillars), fast is good. (beetles/spiders etc) Steve |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"shazzbat" wrote in message ... "Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Yes, slugs are their favourite. They won't eat all of them, but you can't have everything. Pellets poison the slugs, and then if frogs eat the slugs, they get poisoned too :-(( Rough guide to what's in the garden - Slow is bad (slugs/snails/caterpillars), fast is good. (beetles/spiders etc) Not sure I agree with this, as it would put me the bad catergory. Steve |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Jabba" wrote in message news:D0irc.1069$Nh3.572@newsfe6-win... "shazzbat" wrote in message ... "Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Yes, slugs are their favourite. They won't eat all of them, but you can't have everything. Pellets poison the slugs, and then if frogs eat the slugs, they get poisoned too :-(( Rough guide to what's in the garden - Slow is bad (slugs/snails/caterpillars), fast is good. (beetles/spiders etc) Not sure I agree with this, as it would put me the bad catergory. There are exceptions to every rule, and this rule is no exception :-)) Steve |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Jane Ransom" wrote in message ... In article , shazzbat shazzbat@spamle ssness.fsnet.co.uk writes Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails . . . . the age old problem :((( This is an extract from a book by Jeffery Farnol, written in 1933 or thereabouts - . . . . . . to the vigorous nurture of such right succulent edibles as peas, beans, parsnips, onions, carrots, potatoes and what he termed 'sallet raffle'. The coxswain gardened, fair or foul, spade, fork, rake and hoe, like a true seaman, A.B., that is to say - with a will and cheerily-o! and in despite of the piratical depredations of such slimy and stealthy foes as slugs, snails, wire-worms, grubs and the like foes, against whom he waged desperate and unceasing warfare with soot, with salt and any or every lethal weapon as came readiest to hand, more especially a certain stick armed with a long, sharp spike that he dubbed his 'belaying pin'. Such earnest, nay indeed such passionate gardener was the coxswain that on moonless nights, when all save trouble and wickedness slept, he was wont to steal forth armed with dark lantern and the belaying pin and thus cut out, capture or destroy these creeping foes at their fiendly work by what he described as 'the Element of Surprise.' But even this afternoon a slug more reckless than his fellows and venturing abroad scornful of danger, was espied by the ever-watchful coxswain, who instantly bore down to bring this audacious foe to close action; in other words, Benjamin Piper, A.B., was stalking this destroyer with elaborate caution, his feet were soundless, his one eye gleamed, the spade gripped in knotted hands was lifted slowly for exterminating stroke when . . . . . . . . . LOL wonderful stuff:)) Ophelia |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Sue **************************** For the slugs and snails, go to Asdas, They sell three sizes of well made torches and they are cheap. They have the facility on the lighting head end (the part where the bulb is) to alter the breadth size of the beam,- which is useful. You go out at nightfall just as it has got dark and do a few sweeps of the garden wearing washing-up gloves from Asdas. Get a plastic bucket while you are at it. Make sure you are clothed correctly, - at that time the house is warm and cold damp has fallen outside. Pick up the slugs and snails and give the next door Neighbours from Hell the pleasure of their company by chucking them over the fence in a high wide arc. One at a time and in spearate directions. Alternatively put them in the bin and let them multiply in the Corporation dumps where they will do more good than in your garden. I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads. They come and spawn every year. (they are missing this year for some reason.) Important!! -- DO NOT HAVE A POND IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN. I myself have fallen into mine three times and the third time I fell awkwardly and damaged my thigh. Now I have a very heavy strong wire grid over it at all times. Doug. |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Douglas" wrote in message ... "Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Sue **************************** For the slugs and snails, go to Asdas, They sell three sizes of well made torches and they are cheap. They have the facility on the lighting head end (the part where the bulb is) to alter the breadth size of the beam,- which is useful. You go out at nightfall just as it has got dark and do a few sweeps of the garden wearing washing-up gloves from Asdas. Get a plastic bucket while you are at it. Make sure you are clothed correctly, - at that time the house is warm and cold damp has fallen outside. Pick up the slugs and snails and give the next door Neighbours from Hell the pleasure of their company by chucking them over the fence in a high wide arc. One at a time and in spearate directions. Alternatively put them in the bin and let them multiply in the Corporation dumps where they will do more good than in your garden. I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads. They come and spawn every year. (they are missing this year for some reason.) Important!! -- DO NOT HAVE A POND IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN. I myself have fallen into mine three times and the third time I fell awkwardly and damaged my thigh. I also have a pond but make a point of not drinking to much when I'm near it ;-) How on earth did you manage to fall in three times (I'm reminded of something that Oscar Wilde said.) Now I have a very heavy strong wire grid over it at all times. Doug. |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Sue **************************** For the slugs and snails, go to Asdas, They sell three sizes of well made torches and they are cheap. They have the facility on the lighting head end (the part where the bulb is) to alter the breadth size of the beam,- which is useful. You go out at nightfall just as it has got dark and do a few sweeps of the garden wearing washing-up gloves from Asdas. Get a plastic bucket while you are at it. Make sure you are clothed correctly, - at that time the house is warm and cold damp has fallen outside. Pick up the slugs and snails and give the next door Neighbours from Hell the pleasure of their company by chucking them over the fence in a high wide arc. One at a time and in spearate directions. Alternatively put them in the bin and let them multiply in the Corporation dumps where they will do more good than in your garden. I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads. They come and spawn every year. (they are missing this year for some reason.) Important!! -- DO NOT HAVE A POND IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN. I myself have fallen into mine three times and the third time I fell awkwardly and damaged my thigh. Now I have a very heavy strong wire grid over it at all times. Doug. |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Douglas" wrote in message ... "Sue" wrote in message ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "shazzbat" You're a gardener, no question about it. Welcome aboard. Just one flaw in your reasoning. You will never win the battle of the dandelions, or the slugs/snails come to think of it. However there is no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself trying. Don't feel guilty, there'll be plenty more. And not using pellets is also frog friendly. Goody, I've got them too. Will they eat the slugs? Sue **************************** For the slugs and snails, go to Asdas, They sell three sizes of well made torches and they are cheap. They have the facility on the lighting head end (the part where the bulb is) to alter the breadth size of the beam,- which is useful. You go out at nightfall just as it has got dark and do a few sweeps of the garden wearing washing-up gloves from Asdas. Get a plastic bucket while you are at it. Make sure you are clothed correctly, - at that time the house is warm and cold damp has fallen outside. Pick up the slugs and snails and give the next door Neighbours from Hell the pleasure of their company by chucking them over the fence in a high wide arc. One at a time and in spearate directions. Alternatively put them in the bin and let them multiply in the Corporation dumps where they will do more good than in your garden. I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads. They come and spawn every year. (they are missing this year for some reason.) Important!! -- DO NOT HAVE A POND IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN. I myself have fallen into mine three times and the third time I fell awkwardly and damaged my thigh. I also have a pond but make a point of not drinking to much when I'm near it ;-) How on earth did you manage to fall in three times (I'm reminded of something that Oscar Wilde said.) Now I have a very heavy strong wire grid over it at all times. Doug. |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
|
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
In article , Steve
Harris writes In article , (Douglas) wrote: I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads Is it really that effective? I've got a small pond that 'self-seeded' with frogs & toads and have never had a problem with slugs (numerous Hostas with pristine leaves are testimony to that!) However in the last 2 years, we've suddenly become invaded by snails which are proving a right pain. I assume frogs & toads can't eat them because of their shells? Best Wishes, -- Jeff Taylor |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Steve Harris" wrote in message ... In article , (Douglas) wrote: I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads Is it really that effective? Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com A useful bit of gardening software at http://www.netservs.com/garden/ ********* What can't speak can't tell lies!. For ten years |I have been almost free of slugs and snails yet the incubation period for toads and frogs is about a month in the spring. You have to seed the pond with taddies for three years to get it going. Strange thing has happened this year. Not a sign in the pond of a toad or a frog. I can't understand it. There have been seven goldfish in there since it was built and hey are still thriving. Doug. """"""""""" |
I think I'm becoming a gardener!
"Douglas" wrote in message news:... "Steve Harris" wrote in message ... In article , (Douglas) wrote: I don't have slugs or snails any more. I have a small pond which I have seeded with frogs and toads Is it really that effective? Steve Harris - Cheltenham - Real address steve AT netservs DOT com A useful bit of gardening software at http://www.netservs.com/garden/ ********* What can't speak can't tell lies!. For ten years |I have been almost free of slugs and snails yet the incubation period for toads and frogs is about a month in the spring. You have to seed the pond with taddies for three years to get it going. Strange thing has happened this year. Not a sign in the pond of a toad or a frog. I can't understand it. There have been seven goldfish in there since it was built and hey are still thriving. Doug. """"""""""" ********* Waal!, it's a funny business, and I think I may have confused you, so apologies if I have. You see, the spawn is seen in in the pond in early spring, even when it's still coldish weather. So the frogs and toads have come back from where they've been living, (that sounds a bit pompous, but please read on). and I don't know where that is living area is.. Probably an occasional one in surrounding gardens or mostly out in the fields Briefly, - they come, they spawn, the taddies swim around and around the pond then grow legs. After about three weeks they all disappear in one day - or night. Suddenly they have all scarpered!. Then I see a few small ones poking around the undergrowth and get reports from neighbours of their presence for a few days, then silence until next year. I occasionally see an adult one knocking about for awhile, - that's all. My conclusion is that the blackbirds, and such, do a nice cleaning up job and decimate them and as time has gone on the surviving numbers have been reduced, to an extent that this year there are no survivors to return to spawn. I still have to dispose of a small number of snails, but a few of the small white ones that live under the soil seem to be unaffected. So what to do? - re-seed again?, - can't do that because the Authorities have barred the public from estuary area where I get the taddies from, because the foreign chinese Cocklers have taken over the beaches in their hundreds and are raping the Cockle beds by the hundreds of tons for selling abroad. That means the narrow approach road is blocked with big heavy lorries. But that's another story. Take care! Doug. |
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