For now: grubs is a collective term for caterpillars of various beetles. Some species of insects are useful for the garden, but there are also pests. We explain how you can recognize them and which remedies prove to be particularly helpful in the event of an infestation.
Recognize grubs in raised beds: May beetle and June beetle larvae are pests
The grubs may look similar to inexperienced hobby gardeners, but they are often completely different species. The caterpillars of rose beetles and rhinoceros beetles are considered beneficial insects because they eat rotting and dead parts of plants. The first process the fallen leaves and yellowed shoots into compost material, the second feed exclusively on rotting wood and can be found in mulch.
However, if you see grubs in the raised bed between the plants, then they are usually the larvae of the May beetles and June beetles. They eat the roots and leaves of plants and are considered pests. But how can you recognize them?
The grubs of the May beetles and June beetles look very similar. They are white but have a brown head and a body 3 to 5 cm long. You can see them directly on the plants or find them in the soil in the root area. A safe oneSigns that these are the pests, are eaten leaves and damaged roots. They are found much more often in flower beds, raised beds and flower pots than the beneficial insects.
Where do grubs in raised beds come from?
The grubs get into the raised bed in different ways. They are usually hauled with the compost. The pests often lay their eggs in the raised bed - these then remain unnoticed over the winter and the grubs emerge from the ground the next spring. In this case, acting quickly cannot help because the number of larvae is actually constant. Even if the first ones are successfully fought, the next ones will hatch after some time.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you control or relocate the pests. Otherwise the plants can die. Fortunately, there are some remedies that prove to be very effective in fighting the larvae.
Is calcium cyanamide effective against grubs?
When it comes to calcium nitrogen against grubs, opinions differ. Many hobby gardeners swear by it and have had positive experiences with the calcium cyanamide approach. It is said to be poisonous to grubs and also sterilize the soil. It's best to incorporate some lime into the compost and then apply it to the raised bed. The soil should be fresh for this purpose - it is best to apply the compost and calcium cyanamide mixture after you have watered the plants.
Nematodes help in the fight against cockchafer larvae
Nematodes can also be successful in combatagainst the cockchafer larvaebe used. The tiny little worms can be found in any garden center. These are added to the irrigation water and then go directly into the soil, where they can fight the grubs. This option is environmentally friendly and very effective as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Garlic against grubs in the ground
Have you noticed grubs in the ground? Plant garlic between infected plants. The roots of the crop are poisonous to insects. But the smell of garlic can also permanently drive them away from the raised bed or prevent a new infestation.
You might also be interested in:Are grubs harmful in flower pots & what can you do?
Add coffee grounds to the compost and drive away the larvae
The larvae are often transported to the raised bed with the compost. To prevent this, add coffee grounds to the compost. The grubs of the May and June beetles do not like coffee grounds and try to avoid them. Of course, this is not a rule of thumb - you can add a few specimens to the raised bed with the compost every now and then, but the number of pests will be kept within limits.
Other environmentally friendly methods to get rid of grubs
Relocate:If you are not sure whether the grubs in the raised bed are beneficial or harmful, you can simply relocate them. To do this, simply replace the soil in the raised bed (before planting in spring).
Collect:You can also collect the grubs. To do this, simply water the raised bed vigorously and then wait. After about a quarter of an hour they will appear on the surface. You can then simply collect them and relocate them.
Umgraben:In principle, you can also dig up the earth. This is effective against the pests because they will appear on the surface. But by doing so you will destroy the layers in the soil - which could harm the plants.
Interested in more natural solutions against grubs? ReadhereHow mustard powder can be used as an effective casting agent!
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