cabbage whites, what to do

[annetteevans]

i've dealt with the slugs but now i've got bloody catterpillers, i read that i should wash the plants with soapy water, so i just got the washing up liquid out. has this worked for anyone or are there any tips you can give me?

hope to hear from you soon

[Capsid]

Net the plants when you plant them out and don't ever remove it until harvest time. Use a fine mesh too. For now, pick of caterpillars by hand or spray them.

[MaureenHall]

Been spraying mine with Garlic Fire spray (basically garlic, chilli, washing up liquid and oil - instructions on another thread). Have to do it almost daily as each new batch of eggs that have been missed when squishing hatches out. Also I've been picking off any big ones I find and chucking them in a bowl of water to take home for the chooks. Not sure if I'm winning but definitely fighting the battle. I didn't know about netting the plants when they first went out but I know now for next year!!!

[Two_Sheds]

Netting will keep some butterflies out, but not all of them. Remember to lift the net to check for caterpillars - you'll need to do it for weeding anyway

[Comfreyfan]

I bought new netting this year, but it hasn't been totally successful, guess the holes are too big and the little.....darlings are managing to get in. It's become something of a Cabbage White sanctuary, they've been having a real party on the brassicas. There's also something else getting in there because there are other types of caterpillars in there aswell - briefly

Be warned if you get the Garlic Fire spray on your hands when you try and unblock the spray nozzle, even if you do two loads of washing up afterwards, don't rub your eyes - it HURTS!!!!

[hurricanhoney]

You could put some thyme herbs by the vegetables its worked for me so far "touch wood" while I wait for netting to come.

[helly]

I had a plague of caterpillers on all of mine so I stripped the leaves off hoping I might get a regrowth . I want to plant my spring cabbages in the same bed (short of space ) Should I do this or leave the bed empty & hope the frosts kills any left over eggs&catterpillers and go without spring cabbs

[JennieAtkinson]

When is the latest that the cabbage white lays eggs? I was wondering if I could take my netting off now - by PSB is getting squashed!

[lynda66]

Be warned if you get the Garlic Fire spray on your hands when you try and unblock the spray nozzle, even if you do two loads of washing up afterwards, don't rub your eyes - it HURTS!!!!

also be careful when going for a wee, especially if you are a boy .... cos apparently that does too *giggles lots, and goes to sit in the norty corner*

[Two_Sheds]

there are other types of caterpillars in there aswell !

Four different types?
Cabbage Moth
Cabbage Looper
Small Cabbage White
Large Cabbage White

there should be more photos in this older thread: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...hes_21496.html

[maytreefrannie]

When is the latest that the cabbage white lays eggs? I was wondering if I could take my netting off now - by PSB is getting squashed!

I was wondering the same thing - I thought I might try a few spring cabbages but the whole cabbage white/caterpillar-partying culture has discouraged me.

Certainly I'll take up the hint about the netting and I'd love if someone could let us know about the latest time for cabbage-white-egg-laying.

[Two_Sheds]

I'd love if someone could let us know about the latest time for cabbage-white-egg-laying

Nicos looked this site up on an earlier thread: Cabbage caterpillar and moth pest control

The damage occurs April-October .

The life cycle is as follows. The adult butterflies/moths appear in mid-spring and lay yellow eggs on the leaves of cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and kohlrabi.
They hatch in around 5 days depending on weather conditions.
Initially the tiny caterpillars feed on the outer leaves, but as they mature, they tend to go for the heart leaves, making a horrible mess with their poo (frass) and turning the plant to lace.
They reach about 1 inch in length after a couple of weeks. Around this stage they pupate into a chrysalis and it is from these chrysalis that more butterflies and moths will emerge. The final generation of each year over-winters as a chrysalis.

I am destroying all eggs, caterpillars and chrysalises (?) as I find them. The only good cabbage white is a dead cabbage white

[Two_Sheds]

I was wondering if I could take my netting off now - by PSB is getting squashed!

If you take the netting off, the pigeons will eat your crops.

[Eyren]

If you take the netting off, the pigeons will eat your crops.

That's what the chicken-wire is for

[SarzWix]

The best thing for keeping the butterflies out is Enviromesh/insect mesh - the holes are way too small to let them lay through, you just have to make sure it's secured all the way round. It is a bit pricey, but I've had some for 3 seasons and it's still going strong. Alternatively, try net curtains? The sort which are mostly smooth, not the 'lacy' type. You can sometimes pick them up on freecycle or in charity shop, and sew them together to make a bigger length, or a cage/cloche cover.