My asiatic and oriental lily bed (about 25 plants) is now 3-4 years old = and did extremely well until this year when it got hit by red lily = beatles. I kept them reasonably under control by picking off the beatles = and larva pods but the plants did suffer and the leaves seemed to have = turned brown earlier than usual. I intend to put all the stalks in the trash but suspect the larva will = overwinter in the soil. =20 I have three questions:
- Is there any treatment for the soil to prevent overwintering of the = larva?
- What should I be doing next spring and summer to get rid of these = pests?
- The bed is becoming overcrowded so I want to thin them and also start = a 2nd bed with the left overs. What is the proper way to do this? Should = it be done in the fall before freeze-up or can I wait till spring? I = prefer the spring as my 2nd bed will not be ready until then. =20 I am in zone 4b. Thank you.