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Caterpillar attacking broccoli & cleome

KmehKmeh Posts: 173
in Fruit & veg
I could kick myself for not tackling this earlier as I saw the butterflies having a great time on the brocolli. However after a week away they've decimated the brocolli and to a lesser extent cleome. 

Any suggestions for a plan of attack? Rip it all out? Cut it back, apply a some type of natural deterrent? 

Thank you

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I’m currently inspecting my broccoli plants every morning and squishing any lurking caterpillars I find 🔨 🐛 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • KmehKmeh Posts: 173
    There are well over 50 @philipasmith2 - lots of baby ones too. I have about 10 plants. Lost cause?

    Any ideas on sprays that are available? I saw videos on something called bacillus thurengenesis? Doesn't seem to be available in the uk and I saw nothing in my local garden centre to assist.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited August 2020
    Bacillus thurengenesis is not legal for use by amateur gardeners in the UK.  

    10 affected plants?  That's fewer than I have ... get out there in the morning and pick off the caterpillars.  That's what gardening's about  :D

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Hi - try Neem Oil.  A wonderful all round oil from India.  A few drops in warm water - I use 10 drops to 500ml warm water - you can add a little detergent for stickability.  Spray mornings or evenings.  You can buy solutions containing Neem Oil from your Gardening Centre.  (Neem is good indoors as well as a fungicide, antiseptic etc)  One warning - it has a really bad smell!  I have Brassicas in my garden too.  Although they are under netting, you still have to check them every day.  Good luck.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

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