Eats shoots and leaves: the problems with pests

The flowers are blooming and everyone's loving the first signs of warmer weather in the garden, especially the birds and slugsGardening ups and downs! One warmer May morning I arrive with seeds for sowing but find something's eaten all but one of the baby pea plants. I feel almost tearful, and fear for the survivor.I sow more seed and scatter the soil with organic slug pellets, guilt fighting anger. The climbing French beans haven't yet raised their heads. Does everything seem a bit slower this year? Too wet too early perhaps. Though it might more easily be my impatience. Continue reading...