Even if you’re starting later than planned, the right lighting setup can make all the difference. With a grow light, you can still grow strong, healthy plants and enjoy a productive season ahead.

Here’s why starting nematode treatments now can be highly effective and why these pre-season applications are among the most important. Understanding the Lifecycle of Slugs and Nematodes Slugs are notorious for their ability to thrive in moist, cool conditions. Slug eggs laid in our mild winter will be hatching now, beginning their march to grow in numbers.  Let's stop them becoming a significant problem come the spring. Nematodes, specifically like those contained in Nemaslug and Slugtech, are microscopic, parasitic worms that target and kill slugs. They are applied to the soil where they seek out slugs and enter their bodies, releasing bacteria that ultimately kill the host within a few days. The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead slug, continuing the cycle and providing ongoing pest control.   You can use nematodes when soil is above 5°C for most of the day, you can find your soil temperature forecast here. Buy nematodes now. Why early treatments are critical Targeting Juvenile Slugs: Juvenile slugs are more susceptible to nematode infection than their adult counterparts. By applying nematodes early, you can significantly reduce the number of young slugs that survive into adulthood and reproduce. This proactive approach helps break the lifecycle of slugs, leading to fewer slugs. Ideal Environmental Conditions: Nematodes thrive in moist conditions that are often met in late summer (or a wet summer) and early autumn. Applying nematodes during this period ensures they remain active and effective, as they require moisture to move through the soil and find their slug hosts. Sustainable and Eco-friendly Solution: Using nematodes is an environmentally friendly method of pest control that avoids the use of chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects and soil health. Nematodes specifically target slugs, making them a safe option for organic gardeners and those looking to maintain a balanced ecosystem in their gardens.  It also means they are 100% safe around pets and children who can play on and around treated areas immediately.  How to Apply Nematodes Effectively Timing: Apply nematodes in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the day, which can dry out the soil and reduce nematode efficacy. Ensure the soil is moist before application and water the area thoroughly afterward to help the nematodes move through the soil. Maintenance: Maintain moist soil conditions for at least two weeks after application to ensure nematodes remain active and effective. Reapply every 6 weeks.  So, don’t wait —take action now and give your garden the best chance to thrive slug-free. Shop slug nematodes

Insect netting is a great tool if you want to protect against pests like cabbage white butterflies, carrot flies, and aphids.  These guys spread in numbers quickly and pose a persistent challenge, insect netting can make all the difference. Here's a bit more about how and when to use insect netting effectively. Jump straight to the product Benefits of Insect Netting Pest Prevention: keeping out common pests, including caterpillars, aphids, and beetles like the dreaded lilly beetle. Encouraging Beneficial Insects: If you have bought some of my good bugs to help you with a pest problem, netting can keep them in place.  Many a customer has come to me upset because the ladybirds they released have ended up in their neighbour's garden.  Netting can help you to concentrate the predators where they are needed.  Protecting Pollinators: Don't cover all the good stuff up, use insect netting selectively to ensure that while pests are kept out, pollinators can still access flowering plants when needed. Weather Shield: Netting also provides a degree of protection from heavy rain, hail, and strong winds and light frosts. When to Deploy Insect Netting Timing is crucial to maximise the effectiveness of insect netting. Here are key tips for UK gardeners: Early Spring: As temperatures rise, pests become active. Deploy netting over vulnerable crops like brassicas, carrots, lettuce and more, as soon as you sow seeds or transplant seedlings. Throughout the Growing Season: Keep the netting in place during the peak pest activity months (April to September). Be vigilant about inspecting for any pests that may have slipped through gaps. Pollination Windows: For crops that require pollination (e.g., courgettes or strawberries), remove the netting temporarily during flowering. This allows pollinators access to the plants. How to Use Insect Netting Secure Edges: Ensure the edges of the netting are tightly secured to the ground using pegs, weights, or buried edges to prevent pests from crawling underneath. Support Structures: Use hoops or frames to keep the netting elevated and prevent it from resting on the plants. This reduces the risk of pests laying eggs through the mesh, sneaky beasts! Regular Inspections: Check regularly for tears, holes, or insects trapped inside the netting. Repair any damage promptly to maintain effectiveness. When to Remove Insect Netting End of Pest Season: In late autumn, when pest activity decreases, you can safely remove the netting. For most UK gardens, this is around October or November. Crop Harvest: Remove netting as you harvest crops to allow easier access and airflow. End-of-Season Cleanup: Clean and dry the netting before storing it for the winter. This prevents mould and extends its lifespan. Balancing Pest Control and Biodiversity While insect netting is highly effective, it’s essential to balance its use with maintaining biodiversity. Allowing some areas of your garden to remain uncovered can provide habitats for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife. Rotate netted and uncovered zones to create a thriving and balanced ecosystem. Buy Plastic Free Insect Netting Here