News

Plant your vege garden to avoid fruit fly

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:40:00

More Sunraysia home gardeners have been finding their tomatoes and other fruiting vegetables infested with Queensland fruit fly.

As the weather warms up and Qfly populations become active and continue to increase, the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (GSPFA) expects to hear more reports of the pest wreaking havoc in backyards across the region.

But there are many veggies and herbs that won’t attract fruit fly, making it easier for gardeners to enjoy fresh seasonal produce.

The GSPFA has created a video to help people plan their veggie garden, now available as part of a suite of videos designed to help home gardeners manage Qfly.

“As the beautiful spring weather draws people back into their gardens, it’s a great time to start planning what veggies you want to plant this year and preparing your garden beds,” GSPFA regional coordinator Narelle Beattie said.

“Whether you have a big patch of land, planter boxes or a few pots, there’s plenty of things you can plant that don’t host fruit fly.

“Some great options include roots and bulbs like carrots and potatoes; leafy greens like broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and Asian vegetables; herbs and spices; and produce with tough skin like pumpkin, watermelon and corn.”

Ms Beattie said people who still want to plant fruiting vegetables prone to fruit fly, such as tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and eggplants, can protect them using insect nets.

“Covering your fruit with fine mesh netting, available from agriculture supply or hardware stores, is the most effective way to stop Qfly from getting to your fruit,” she said.

“Just make sure you don’t put the netting on too early to give beneficial insects like bees an opportunity to pollinate your garden.”

Find the videos for home gardeners on the GSPFA website: www.pestfreearea.com.au