Allotments 4 All

Produce => Pests & Diseases => Topic started by: sweet-pea on October 23, 2007, 17:11:32

Title: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: sweet-pea on October 23, 2007, 17:11:32
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!
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: silly billy on October 23, 2007, 17:24:29
The main threat during the winter will be pigeons they will happily reduce the leaves to skeletons. I leave mine netted all winter.
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: donlottie on October 23, 2007, 17:49:04
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
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: tim on October 23, 2007, 18:08:34
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.
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: telboy on October 25, 2007, 00:03:49
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!
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: cambourne7 on October 25, 2007, 01:45:02
Last winter we had some ducks settle in the allotments and they pecked everything they could :)
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: robkb on October 25, 2007, 09:23:32
After losing most of my PSB last year to pigeons, I'd definitely keep your brassica's covered all the time.

Cheers,
Rob ;)
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: Lauren S on October 25, 2007, 10:35:04
*Net it, or you won't get it*  ;D
Title: Re: netting Bassicas overwinter - is it necessary
Post by: sweet-pea on October 29, 2007, 11:43:08
Thanks all for your replies, I'm so glad I asked.  the netting shall stay on as we do get pigeons.

SP x