January 2023
- Do I need to cover carrot crops?
To grow great carrots insect barriers are effective. A good barrier can protect carrots from pests such as carrot rust fly (psila rosea), pillbugs and slugs. Cover the crop before the seeds germinate and make sure the edges of the fabric are held down with boards or rocks so flies can’t find a way to enter. Leave the covers on until all carrots are harvested or end of October for overwintered carrots. The carrot rust fly can have as many as 3 generations of larvae feeding on the roots over the growing period. As well as insects, barriers can protect carrots and other vegetables from wasps, birds, rats, squirrels and raccoons.
Lightweight fabric barriers are available as insect netting and floating row cover. Insect netting is made from durable knitted high density polyethylene monofilament sold in different widths and sizes. The fabric lets in rain and sunlight and can stay over the crop for as long as needed. The netting should be supported on hoops or frames to allow for the carrot tops to grow. Floating row covers made of lightweight spun poly fabric used to extend the growing season can be used as a barrier against pests. It is sold on rolls and available in several weights. It doesn’t need support so can float over the crop but must be held down on the edges as does the insect netting.
Sources
https://www.westcoastseeds.com/blogs/garden-wisdom/carrots
Gilkeson, L.A. (2013). Natural Insect, Weed and Disease Control, West Coast Gardening, second edition.
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