fleece

[selwyn-smith]

I have fleeced my carrot seedlings this year to protect from the carrot root fly, and my young cabbage plants, to protect mainly from pigeons. The carrots are so slow to germinate, and although the cabbages look lovely they haven't grown much. Do you think that fleece cuts down the light and water? I have read in an earlier posting that carrots seem to be slow off the mark this year, but was wondering what other people thought. Also, has anyone used this viromesh? I would be interested to hear what you think.
Katy

[selwyn-smith]

[tim]

You've had water?? Favoured!

Fleece will take up a bit of light rain - & dew. But if the ground was good & moist when it went on, you should be OK.

Mesh - much more expensive but much longer lasting. Heavier than fleece, so will weigh delicate plants down more. But does not absorb rain, which passes straight through - so doesn't sag so much. And you can see any cabbage whites that get in through it.

[selwyn-smith]

Thanks Tim,
I'm trying to decide wether to invest in some or not, I'd really like to take a page out of the Heath Robinson  and Bob Flowerdew book and use as much recycle stuff as poss, so here's another question. Does anyone know or have any good ideas what I could use for water butts and where I could get them?
Wish I had them now its been raining all day!!!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Plastic barrels.