Hi I'm from Melbourne vic. I've had 3 attempts of growing zucchini black jack and so far no success, first attempt the plants we're taken with no trace 2nd they got eaten down to the stem this is my 3rd attempt I put tree guards and snail pellets around them also growing a nasturtium nearby but the leave are getting munched on. What can I do these are only young plants?
04 Feb 20 hi im terry (Australia - temperate climate)
from sa, may i suggest earwigs could be your problem, we followed advice from a friend and put a small amount of olive oil in a clean tuna tin set in the place your zuccs are not to close though, also to check your garden at night when all these nasties come out, good luck.
01 Jan 20 Catherine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had the same problem - I cut off the bottoms of soda bottles, threw away the lids and placed the bottle over the plant, pushing it into the soil enough to stop it from blowing over. I then simply removed the bottle when the plant was looking a little cramped - worked a treat!
An extreme method would be to make a wood frame about 50cm high and cover with 30% shade cloth. OR put stakes in the ground and use shade cloth or bird netting as a fence. I have 2m x 2m x .5m frame with veggie netting on and around it. Only problem the netting disintergated from flapping on the wood frame. I will replace with 30% shade cloth soon. Or make an arch with plastic pipe or chicken netting and cover with shade cloth. Look around the yard for things you could use.
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We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.