Gauteng Smallholder July 2015 | Page 7

Moles: is this the solution? S ir ~ On our plot we have an area enclosed in shadecloth and plastic, where we are able to grow some vegetables in winter. We constructed permanent beds lined on the outside with bricks, where we replaced the heavy clay soil with a mix of river sand, compost and soil. So we should be able to have carrots all year round, despite the harsh frost. However, we are thwarted by moles - more Grrrr.... mole heap in the carrot patch MAILBAG precisely mole-rats that enjoy the succulent roots just as much as we do. And, like all good gardeners we have tried everything to Bed bottom lined with weldmesh deter them, from and lined it with fine weld lining the bottoms of the beds mesh. Then we refilled it with with broken bottles to a new mix of soil, compost whirling cooldrink bottles atop and sand and planted more cane stakes to attempts at carrot seeds. Let's hope that fumigating them with a this will be enough of a hosepipe attached to a car deterrent. exhaust, to flooding them out. We live in hope So we dug out a bed again Bapsfontein The Editor welcomes your letters, comments and opinions, but reserves the right to edit and shorten as necessary. Senders’ names and addresses must be included. Afrikaans letters will be translated. Post mail to: Letters, PO Box 14648, Bredell 1623 or fax 086 602-3882 or e-mail [email protected] 5 www.sasmallholder.co.za