Topic: Netting and Brassicas

[hazzadazza]

Hi all,

This might seem like a stupid question - but I'm new to this.

Everyone else on our plot appears to have netted over their young brassicas - why is this - what does it protect against - what is the best to use???

Thanks
HD

[norfolklass]

why is this - what does it protect against - what is the best to use???

it's to try and keep the pigeons and cabbage white butterflies off – the butterflies were in a holding pattern above my head and actually landing on my caulis as I was planting them out >:(

quite big-holed mesh will keep off the pigeons but butterflies can sneak in through unbelievably small gaps.
the caterpillars will strip a plant bare in hours.

I was all calm and philosophical about it to start with, but now I'm obsessed!!!

[manicscousers]

hiya, hazza..we use builders netting, you know, the stuff that stops rubble falling on your head at a building site..do you know any friendly builders ?  :)

[saddad]

Pigeons... the flying rats will strip a whole plant in minutes!!!
 ::)

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

and they can leave them alone for months, and then suddenly - kaput

[Robert_Brenchley]

I find brassicas are OK in summer, at least as far as pigeons are concerned. Then we get a few cold days, other food goes short, and the pigeons descend. Once they start, they don't stop till the warm weather arrives.

[hazzadazza]

That explains it - have seen lots of pigeons (very big) around the allotment site - will pop to diy shop tonight I think!

Thanks for all your advice

[tim]

And for young plants - fleece or mesh against flea beetlle.

[cleo]

Fleece to start-it helps prevent cabbage whites(but one always finds a way in) -then strings if pigeons are a problem. Close weave plastic is OK but not wide mesh-it`s a bird killer