netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary

[sweet-pea]

I was wondering whether I should keep my brassica plants netted over winter i.e. is there anything that is likely to attack them, or can I remove it. They're starting to get a bit too tall for it. Think they're purple sprouting, although I'm not 100% sure as the slugs ate my labels!

[sweet-pea]

[silly billy]

The main threat during the winter will be pigeons they will happily reduce the leaves to skeletons. I leave mine netted all winter.

[donlottie]

Sorry for butting in but can someone answer this brassica question? I planted Sping cabbage about 6 weeks ago and have kept them under a cloche as rabbits were about. They have now gone but we have had a few frosty nights. When should I take the cloche off as the cabbages are quite bit now

[tim]

I would wait for the current frosty weather to move on in case they got a shock?

Then cover with net of some sort to ward off pigeons.

[telboy]

sweet pea,
If your crops are ravaged as mine by 'sky rats' then keep them covered all year round.
A pain but you, at least, get to eat some of your hard spent labour!

[cambourne7]

Last winter we had some ducks settle in the allotments and they pecked everything they could :)

[robkb]

After losing most of my PSB last year to pigeons, I'd definitely keep your brassica's covered all the time.

Cheers,
Rob ;)

[Lauren S]

*Net it, or you won't get it*  ;D

[sweet-pea]

Thanks all for your replies, I'm so glad I asked.  the netting shall stay on as we do get pigeons.

SP x