A potted guide to vine weevils... as the caretaker of more than just a few containers, I become vigilant, in late summer, for signs of vine-weevil damage.
The adult beetles feast on the leaves during the spring and summer, but baby weevils cause the most damage, eating the roots in autumn and winter. If a plant looks as if it’s wilting because of a lack of water, but doesn’t respond when you douse it, dig down a little to inspect the roots. You may find the grubs — fat and white and revolting — munching away at the root system until there is little left.
Chemical-free revenge is possible with tiny nematode worms called Steinernema kraussei, which should keep things under control and prevent further infestations. They are widely available in the form of Nemasys natural vine-weevil killer (from £8 — see nemasysinfo.com for stockists).
Simply add the nematodes to the water when you give your plants a drink. Ensure that the soil is moist, as this will help the worms to move around. They will then work their way into the grubs and spew out blood-poisoning bacteria that nukes them from the inside.
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Be inspired
Borde Hill Garden, in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, is celebrating its golden anniversary next Sunday. Entry costs £8.20 (bordehill.co.uk).
The Dorothy Clive Garden, in Willoughbridge, Shropshire, hosts a plant-hunters’ fair next Sunday and Monday, 10am-5.30pm. Tickets are £3.50 (dorothyclivegarden.co.uk).