This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Which netting /mesh for growing brassicas?
snowathlete
Posts: 138
in Fruit & veg
Years ago I tried growing broccoli and cauliflower. I had great success - but I did have trouble with caterpillars. Never bothered growing them again.
This year I'm growing some purple sprouting broccoli (4 or 5 plants) and although it's later in the year so probably less at risk, id like to keep those butterflies off. I plan to create a cage and cover it in fine netting or mesh.
The question is which netting or mesh? Im on a very tight budget. I guess I want something that will last several years though.
Any recommendations?
0
Posts
I'm growing a few plants of PSB as I did last year - I found last year that regular inspection was enough to keep them caterpillar free rather than spending money on the mesh - wish me luck!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Yes when I tried broccoli all those years ago I used green fruit netting, about 1cm I think it was, and a few of the smaller ones somehow got through. this time I want Togo finer.
This is the only thing that will keep them out, 1cm just wont do it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/QVS-Shop-Purpose-Garden-Netting/dp/B00DI0B9RM/ref=sr_1_12?s=outdoors&ie=UTF8&qid=1404464243&sr=1-12&keywords=butterfly+mesh
I bought this, its marvelous. I am sorry I cant put the clicking link, somehow the chain link facility has disappeared.
Please use the thickest, most closely woven fabric in order to prevent birds trying to land on it and getting their legs caught. Having found a redwing with its leg torn off it has haunted me ever since.
Thanks Lyn, I'll check that out.
I don't get hardly any birds in my garden unfortunately. the only local birds are magpies which are a nuisance and I'm guessing keep other species out. Then there all the cats.
Shame about that. I am no expert but would have thought there must be birds otherwise there would be no food for the maggies? Must be hiding.
Can anyone recommend a good source of pond plants please? Aquatic centres seem to be disappearing.
I use Veggimesh, its really good and has a very tight weave. I've discovered though that you have to be very careful about how you pin it down. Things will get under it and into it if your not meticulous about sealing the edges.
I have some Cauliflowers under it, some doing ok some not so ok. Its my first year growing anything though so i'll be happy if i get a single Cauliflower at the end of it!
You could try the garden fleece, its a lot cheaper and available at most garden centres. I have that over my carrots, but you have the same issue with making sure the edges are tightly pinned down.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardening-Naturally-Veggiemesh-2-1-x-10m/dp/B006VTOL2M
Incidentally, on the topic of carrots..... Does anyone know if its 'safe' to uncover them now? they're growing well under my fleece frame, but poking at the top of it. If i uncover them now am i still risking carrot fly, of are most of the dangers past?
Thanks
JC
Holes no larger than 7mm is standard protection against cabbage white butterflies. I use this stuff - now 4 years old and still strong with no rips (a problem with cheaper stuff is that it gets affected by sunlight and falls apart after a year or two):
http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/heavy-duty-butterfly-netting-pid7526.html
No connection - just a satisfied customer.
Don't plant your brassicas too close to the sides though, whichever netting you use as they just lay eggs on those leaves which are touching the net!