Natural Fruit and Vegetable Mix Nematodes - Gardening Naturally - FVN10
The Gardening Naturally Fruit and Vegetable Mix Nematodes provide a biological pest control soluti...The Gardening Naturally Fruit and Vegetable Mix Nematodes provide a biological pest control solution for a wide range of garden crops. This treatment contains a mix of Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae, which are effective against common pests including cabbage root fly, carrot fly, cutworm, thrips, sciarid fly, gooseberry sawfly, and caterpillars. Suitable for use on vegetables, fruit crops, and greenhouse plants, this natural control method helps protect roots and bulbs throughout the growing season. Apply nematodes after planting and during periods of active pest presence, generally between March and October depending on the specific pest lifecycle. The pack covers an area of up to 60 square meters and is designed to be applied with water to ensure deep soil penetration. Please note that this is a live biological product with a limited shelf life and should be stored between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius. For best results, avoid concurrent use with chemical pesticides to ensure the nematodes remain effective.
Best current price£8.99from Gardening Naturally UK
The Gardening Naturally Fruit and Vegetable Mix Nematodes are ideal for organic gardeners and commercial growers looking for a biological, chemical-free way to protect their crops from soil-dwelling pests. This product leverages a potent blend of Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae to control invasive insects like cabbage root fly, carrot fly, and sciarid flies. While highly effective for vegetable and greenhouse crops, users must remember that this is a live biological treatment with a strict shelf life, requiring precise storage and application timing for success.
All features
Model Part Number
FVN10
Brand
Gardening Naturally
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to apply these nematodes?
They are best applied between March and October when soil temperatures are appropriate and pests are in their active larval stages.
Can I use these in my greenhouse?
Yes, they are highly effective for greenhouse crops, particularly for controlling sciarid flies and thrips.
How do I know if the nematodes are still alive?
As a live product, they must be used before the expiry date provided on the packaging and stored strictly between 4-10 degrees Celsius.
Can I apply them with a standard hose-end sprayer?
Yes, as long as the sprayer does not have fine mesh filters that could block the nematodes and the water pressure is gentle.
Are they safe for pets and children?
Yes, as a biological control agent, they are non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife.
Troubleshooting
Pest population remains high after application
Ensure the soil remained sufficiently moist for the nematodes to move and that temperatures were within the active range for the species used.
Nematodes seem ineffective
Check if chemical pesticides were recently used in the area or if the product was stored outside the recommended 4-10 degree Celsius range.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Targets multiple common garden pests simultaneously
Safe for use on edible fruit and vegetable crops
Environmentally friendly, biological pest control
Excellent for both greenhouse and outdoor soil protection
Provides deep soil coverage through liquid application
Cons
Strict shelf life requirements due to live biological nature
Requires specific temperature-controlled storage (4-10 degrees Celsius)
Cannot be used alongside chemical pesticides
Limited application window based on pest lifecycles
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Storage: As this is a live product, refrigerate immediately upon arrival at temperatures between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius.
Preparation: Mix the nematodes thoroughly with water according to the instructions provided on the packaging to ensure even distribution.
Application: Apply to damp soil during overcast conditions or in the evening to protect the nematodes from UV light damage.
Compatibility: Do not use chemical pesticides within the same area as these will kill the nematodes. Ensure equipment used for application is clean and free of chemical residues.
Maintenance: Keep the treated area moist for at least two weeks following application to allow the nematodes to establish.