How to Control Carrot Rust Fly
Every year my carrot crops are attacked by carrot rust fly. I even stopped growing carrots for a couple of years, but the problem returned despite using pellets when planting and after the plants were growing. How can I get rid of it, or should I give up and buy carrots instead?
Carrot rust fly is a persistent pest for many gardeners growing carrots in the home garden - and it can be devastating as the larvae tunnel into developing carrots, causing damage that often makes the crop unusable.
Unfortunately, there is no simple or guaranteed cure once carrot rust fly becomes established in the garden. Crop rotation is still one of the best strategies, along with avoiding growing carrots in the same area for several years - something you have already tried!
Because carrot rust fly can remain present in the garden environment, the best approach is usually to avoid concentrating the crop in one place.
You could try:
- Growing small patches of carrots in several different areas of the garden rather than one large bed.
- Observing which areas perform best, and using those spots again in future seasons.
- Some gardeners also sprinkle wood ash between carrot rows, which may help deter the pest and is worth experimenting with.
Carrot rust fly can be difficult to completely eliminate in a home garden. If the problem continues year after year, many gardeners simply grow a small experimental crop while relying on shop-bought carrots for most of their supply.
