cabbages

[michelle1122]

hi all

ive planted some cabbages in the allotment and they are in a frame.

could someone please tell me what i need to do wiv the cabbages to stop the cabbages bein eaten.

thanx

[HeyWayne]

I don't tend to grow much in the way of brassicas because for me they need too much care, and as I'm not there very often...

I would recommend netting.

You'll need it to keep the birds off (pigeons mainly) and also to keep the Cabbage White butterflies off. The smaller the holes the better - it will also help keep whitefly off if small enough.

Oh, and then there's the slugs...

[michelle1122]

thanx for ur reply, i put up a frame, using an old gazbo and put netting all round it

[mike abel]

Just cover with Enviromesh, it's easy and works brilliantly!

[michelle1122]

thanx mike ill giv it a try

[smallfrog]

Oh how much care???
Was planning on putting some sprouting broc on the plot. Netted of course have some room here if it need lots of TLC. Wanted to keep home patch for lettuce and soft fruit.

[Alison]

Once they're established then brassicas need very little care at all, just a bit of weeding and so long as they're meshed to protect then you should be fine. I've pretty much ignored my PSB since I planted it out last July and it's repaying me now with a fantastic amount of food - think OH will be glad when it stops sprouting though as he likes a bit more variety - steamed last night, stir fried tonight etc

[smallfrog]

thanks Alison didn't really want it taking up room at home.
I love the stuff so can't wait but might not be so keen if i have to have it everyday.

[Alison]

Just remember though that if you want it low maintenance then you really do need to net with a good fine mesh otherwise you'll need to be up there every day squishing caterpillas