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protecting sprouting

• Message 1. 

  Posted by haplessrich (U14581747) on Thursday, 16th September 2010

  I'm attempting to grow purple sprouting for the first time, the plants have grown nice and big however they are being demolished by caterpillars. Am trying to get out at least 3x a week to engage in hand to hand combat with them but the leaves are still looking like lace. will this on slaught effect the eventual crop and should i consider covering with fleece or is it too late for this? Thanks for any help.

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by pastmemories (U2437829) on Thursday, 16th September 2010

  They will recover next spring. Next thing will be pigeons in December, then if you are like me last year, rabbits getting under 12" of snow to eat away. Out of 20 plants I finished up with 2.So this year, it`s wired in.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by koala_girl (U12702629) on Friday, 17th September 2010

  I feel your pain! I have also been struggling against a tidal wave of things that have been intent on eating my PSB. Two different types of caterpillars and hundreds of slugs have homed in on them. I am just hoping that they recover in the spring and actually produce a crop.

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• Message 4

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  Posted by horththit (U13862695) on Saturday, 18th September 2010

  Don't worry, the weather is getting cooler and the cabbage white's days are numbered. Pick off all the cats. and soon there won't be anymore, after which time the plants will recover as if by magic. Don't forget to secure them for the winter against strong winds.
  Good luck

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• Message 5

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  Posted by ageing_hippie (U6742113) on Monday, 20th September 2010

  I agree, the caterpillars must be nearly over by now. Just keep picking them off. Then be on the alert for pigeon damage as their food sources run low in winter. They suddenly notice your broccoli and they soil as much as they eat. I find I need to keep the netting just the right height above the plants. Too high and they can get underneath, too low and they land on top and attack through the netting.

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• Message 6

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  Posted by hereisabee (U2342191) on Monday, 20th September 2010

  Yes picking off caterpillars is not enjoyable gardening, for next year invest in some enviromesh.
  
  
  
  Make sure you have enough to cover the plants top and sides which I secure by placing old bricks to hold the material in place, or the pest wills get in underneath.

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