By Blossom23
Do flatworms cause any problems in the garden?
I've found several whilst digging in mine.
I often buy plants from a local nursery and recently found a couple of them in the rootball when taken out of the pot, also can they be found in the compost I got from local council depot? any means of getting rid of them?
Thanks, Wanda.
5 May, 2014
Answers
If they are flatworms it depends on the species. the new Zealand/Australian ones eat our native worms. You would need a selective helminthecide to kill them. I have only come across them once and dropped them into boiling water to kill them, as recommended by the RHS. I don't buy from that nursery now.
Always check the roots for signs of them and their egg cases that look like a shrivelled black currant.
If you put some plastic [old compost bag] on the soil for 24-48 hrs they are supposed to take shelter there. then you can pick them up and dispose of.
5 May, 2014
welcome to GOY too.
where about are you in the country wanda? There is a garden centre near me in East Yorks who wont acknowledge he has a problem with NZ flatworm.
5 May, 2014
Thanks for replies, I am in Scotland! It actually is my brother who wanted me to ask and I will take note of replies and try with idea mentioned or should I say he will try! Thanking you all, will update later.
7 May, 2014
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Are you totally sure they are flatworms? Is your soil very wet? A photo might help.
5 May, 2014