I have either been really had or this actually happens in the dead of night ! Last Sunday I planted two rows of shallots in ground that had been unused for at least 20 years.On Monday morning the neat rows had been wrecked & there were shallots lying at drunken angles.Planted them again,Tuesday morning wrecked rows,Wednesday.Planted them again ......

Husband swears it is worms popping their heads above ground and trying to drag the tops of the shallots down into the earth.I thought this was ridiculous but old Irish neighbour says the worms are a terrible problem to be sure.

My question is this:.Has anyone else heard of this kind of worm behaviour or has April 1st come early ??

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

Answers

Man, with worms like that--if you could only catch 'em and harness 'em! I've never heard of worms doing that. Squirrels are fond of digging up bulbs, but I don't think they bother onion family members. Besides, they're diurnal. Hmm. Moles?

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

I would look around the rows very carefully and see if you see any sign of an animal. I wouldn't guess at what kind, but I do know that my geese will do such things and I suspect other birds might as well, besides the always wonderful chipmunks.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

Don't think they have chipmunks in Ireland, Beckie. If it's moles: If you are having problems with moles (or other small animals) try using this formula to drive them out of your yard: 1/4 cup castor oil

2 Tablespoons of liquid detergent soap

Blend the two together in a blender (they won't mix properly otherwise)

Add 6 Tablespoons water.

Blend again.

Store this mix in a container till needed.

When you are ready to apply the solution to the area where the moles are active:

Mix 2 tablespoons of the solution into 1 gallon of water. Pour it into the problem area.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

Chris...sounds like you have mad mole disease in your garden. LOL If it were here, I would say it was Armadillos. Some critter is doing it and I don't think its worms. Get up and go out there with a flashlight in the night. I think Pat and Mike are pulling your English leg re the worms. Taz

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001