I cover my greens with fleece it not only keeps off the cabbage whites but also birds, also is then available for the spring frost covering one cost for two jobs.
I tried making a solution of rhubarb leaves (as mentioned by Maaike)to control blackfly/whitefly etc - think I must have got the proportions wrong - certainly got rid of the pests, but seriously scorched the leaves on my cardoon!!
My early sprouting brocolli (ESB) was hit hard. I had nettig over them...but the gauge was too big so the butterflies got in! However, I continued squashing as much as possible and I am glad to say they've made a great recovery. I also have Romanesco Brocilli and they where not as badly hit as the ESB...though they haven't produced decent sized curds...Netx yaer I will use a much finer netting. Don't give up. As long as they don't get munching on the heart of the plant they should recover.
I started gardening last year and was amazed to see just how quickly all of the cabbe type plants were eaten by caterpillars.This year I am building some wooden frames and will be covering them with some sort of netting.
Question : What mesh size is needed to keep butterflies out ? 15 * 15 mm. and 20 * 20 mm. ones seem to be readily available. One supplier of the 7 * 7 mm. mesh seems to be out of stock for at least a couple more weeks.
I started gardening last year and was amazed to see just how quickly all of the cabbe type plants were eaten by caterpillars.This year I am building some wooden frames and will be covering them with some sort of netting. Question : What mesh size is needed to keep butterflies out ? 15 * 15 mm. and 20 * 20 mm. ones seem to be readily available. One supplier of the 7 * 7 mm. mesh seems to be out of stock for at least a couple more weeks.
I FIND THAT BRINGING MY GRANDSON TO MY GARDEN IS THE ONLY WAY TO RID MYSELF OF THOSE PESKY CATERPILLARS, HE SPENDS ALL DAY COLLECTING THEM.THE ONLY PROBLEM IS HE ONLY VISITS EVERY OTHER WEEK.
I planted some white broccoli late autumn/ early last winter, they haven't given me any broccoli. Should i scrap it now? I'm not sure if the spot was too shady over winter, it was very slow to grow but since spring has developed beautiful lush foliage so i got my hopes up and left it to see what happens, but it still hasn't produced anything and i think maybe i could use the space for my squash which are in pots waiting for a permanent home! Also, any thoughts on whether it's a good idea to get a rescued hedgehog in my garden or will they eat lots of worms as well slugs (& snails?) ?
We got back from holiday to find the russian kale covered with cabbage white catterpillars and it was very upsetting because I just love catterpillars! I want to pick them off and take them all to the nature reserve which is just across the road, full of all sorts of plants including nettles, so my question is...does anybody know what else the cw catterpillars can feed on besides barasicas? I would love to see your replies please asap !!
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Question : What mesh size is needed to keep butterflies out ? 15 * 15 mm. and 20 * 20 mm. ones seem to be readily available. One supplier of the 7 * 7 mm. mesh seems to be out of stock for at least a couple more weeks.
Thanks,
Allen
Question : What mesh size is needed to keep butterflies out ? 15 * 15 mm. and 20 * 20 mm. ones seem to be readily available. One supplier of the 7 * 7 mm. mesh seems to be out of stock for at least a couple more weeks.
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Also, any thoughts on whether it's a good idea to get a rescued hedgehog in my garden or will they eat lots of worms as well slugs (& snails?) ?