root knot nematodes

[nick]

Have tried tomatoes on a completely new patch of ground this year. it was previously a mix of couch and kikuyu grasses.
any ideas on control method - preferably organic.
between alkaine soil and nematodes I've been luck to get enough tomatoes to eat in salads. not enough to preserve for winter

[Wombat]

G'day Nick,

I think that calendula's - pot marigolds - have a root exudation that is bad news for nematodes. So you can grow 'em in with the tomatoes!

Nev

[nick]

thanks. will give it a go with next lot of tomatoes - have some at the planting out stage. (am having a go at some rouge de marmande - meant to be able to set fruit at 16c)

[hedgewizard]

*sticks hand up* Ooh! Ooh! I know that one!

[Wombat]

Good post Hedgie!

Nev

[ged.medland]

To Wombat and Hedgie,
brilliant posts guys!

to Nick,keep on persevering!If IT fails,throw it onto compost heap and start again.I just love tomatoes!

[ina]

Ergh, I don't think tagetes and calendula are the same... Although they are both said to be benefitial. As I always forget which one is good for what, I tend to grow both wherever I find a bit of space. (Oh, tagetes is supposed to deter the Colorado beetle - but we don't have that one here yet, thank goodness.)

[nick]

thanks for the link hedgewizard. have printed out for future reference. (can never refind links if I save to favourites or files if I save to the computer) No wonder the nematodes are repelled by the marigold - I don't want to go near them either.

I guess the good news is that the plants that were showing a lot of stress (nearly dead) have reshooted. just hope they produce something soon.