Cavolo Nero Kale

[Digeroo]

I sowed some Cavolo Nero Kale some time ago, germination good, but now all the leaves are full of tiny holes.  Does now seem to be affecting other types of Kale, also it is not gett ing particularly big.  All other brassicas doing very well indeed.

Any suggestions please as to what it wrong with it. 

[Digeroo]

[saddad]

Tiny holes tend to be flea beetle.. esp., on small plants are you sure it's not the start of a caterpillar attack?  :-X

[tim]

Stupidly, I did not Fleece my Romanesco & they are just full of Flea Beetle damage. Ah, well - next time?

[flowerlady]

I found this on gardenersworld.com  ;D :D ;D :D ;D

Organic Solution:

Seedlings are especially vulnerable to attack, so protect them by waiting until they're a good size before planting out. Exploit the beetles' habit of jumping and catch them with a sticky trap. Coat a piece of card with grease, such as insect barrier glue, leaving a clean strip along one edge. Brush the clean edge of the card over the top of your plants - when the beetles hop into the air they'll stick to the grease. Repeat as necessary.

[Palustris]

I found this on gardenersworld.com  ;D :D ;D :D ;D

Organic Solution:

Seedlings are especially vulnerable to attack, so protect them by waiting until they're a good size before planting out. Exploit the beetles' habit of jumping and catch them with a sticky trap. Coat a piece of card with grease, such as insect barrier glue, leaving a clean strip along one edge. Brush the clean edge of the card over the top of your plants - when the beetles hop into the air they'll stick to the grease. Repeat as necessary.

In 40 years of growing things and talking about growing things to other growers I have never actually met anyone who has successfully  done the above.
Anyone out there actually done this?

[Digeroo]

I have some other brassicas which have flea beetle damage, this is different.  They have also been covered with a fine mesh.  Only seems to be this variety.