Allotments 4 All

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

Quote from: hazzadazza on August 07, 2007, 12:13:59
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 â€" 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!!!

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 ?  :)

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

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

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.

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

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

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