New grow bed - found two curl grubs

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The Surgeon
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New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by The Surgeon »

Hi All,

Preparing a growing bed atm. I removed a few lavender and rosemary bushes in order to turn the area into a grow bed for a couple of JBPs and Tridents. The bed is about 9m x 600mm. Whilst working away and turning the soil I found two of these.
grub.jpg
I assume, where there are two there will be more. I am planning to add a few more grow beds before spring which means removing some lawn. Therefore, I am looking to get rid of these pests prior to planting in a few months.

There are lots of commercial products on the market, but I am hoping someone may have had success ridding their lawns/gardens of these grubs and could recommend a product?

Thanks
Jason
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Re: New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by shibui »

I would not be too worried about a few curl grubs in grow beds. Confined to pots where the only things they have to eat is roots they can cause problems but even though I turn them up in my grow beds they never seem to cause any problems while the trees are in the ground.

I think I have used confidor on them in pots so that should work in the ground too but beware of secondary poisoning with any chemical treatment. I heard that Parliament house gardeners treated for lawn grubs and ended up with a lot of dead magpies. Not sure the cure is worth the cost.
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Re: New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by The Surgeon »

Cheers Neil,

Considering the bed may contain a couple of your Tridents ;) your advice is much appreciated!!

Jason
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Re: New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by legoman_iac »

Think I had one of these when re-potting on the weekend, didn't think much of it, my trees seemed happy enough. Will keep an eye out for others on the next round of re-potting in a week or two!
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Re: New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by Redsonic »

You could try a layer of diatomite powder below the roots when you plant out your trees.
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Re: New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by Grainer »

I used to throw soapy water onto the grow beds to get rid of them.. the plants didnt flinch but the grubs did
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Re: New grow bed - found two curl grubs

Post by The Surgeon »

Thanks All,
I will try the soapy water. No plants in the bed yet, just preparing for the next growing season.
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