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Caterpillars got your corn? Slugs scoffed your beans? Don’t worry, just shrug and start again

And while this is generally true, and is one of the odd reasons why gardening is so addictive, there’s also a plus side, because failed crops also mean fresh opportunities, and the chance to grow different vegetable varieties that may not previously have been considered. So if the caterpillars have devoured your sweet corn, or the slugs have consumed your French beans, just shrug your shoulders, assume a look of casual insouciance and start again with something different. If anyone asks, say you’re practising catch cropping (which is true, sort of).