Allotment Tales- Natural Predators

  This was going to be a long(ish) detailed blog about natural predators and companion planting, but, unfotunately, there has been a mini-crisis in  that the OH's computer is having a hissy-fit which we're unable to cure. So I've managed to save his files onto a usb pen, and promised him I'll sort something out in the morning. Or maybe next week.
  So, I regret this is going to be a short round-up, which you'll have to further investigate yourselves. Sorry. It's late. And don't let me forget to tell you about Rat.
  Your main predators are:
  Birds (they feed on grubs, caterpillars, slugs and aphids). Encourage them with food tables, bird baths and nest boxes.
  Ground Beetles (they feed on eelworms,cutworms, insect eggs, other larvae). Encourage them with plenty of ground cover ( leaves, deep beds, green manure).  

Frogs and toads (they feed on slugs, woodlice and other small insects). They'd like a pond. Not necessarily in your

garden. Encourage a neighbour who's got more money than sense.
  Centipedes (they feed on lots of different insects and slugs). They like ground cover (see beetles).
  Hedgehogs (they feed on slugs, cutworms, woodlice, millipedes and wireworms). They are difficult to attract, so if one does come

visiting, encourage it to stay with extra food and water. And don't let your dog into the garden if you know the hedgehog's about.
 Hoverfly lavae (they like aphids). Plant marigolds and nasturtiums.
  Lacewings and ladybirds (they also like aphids) They like a good variety of planting. Ladybirds seem to quite like fennel, and frequently overwinter in mine.
  Nematodes (strictly speaking, not a predator, rather a parasite) See this article for information, including how to "make" your own nematode brew to tackle the slugs

  We could go into Plants, Companion on Monday, but as I'm back to work then, you might be lucky to get anything. I'll tell you about The Rat tomorrow. Promise.