What Should I do?

[HayleyB]

I have PSB on one half of my brassica bed and some red late summer cropping cabbages in the other half. All is/was covered by enviromesh.

BUT, the PSB have gotten so huge height wise the net doesn't fit properly without squashing down the PSB.

Do I....

a) continue battling the PSB that has leaves the size of arms lengthwise and width of about 9" each 3 foot apart in two rows, or

b) leave the PSB to battle the caterpillars with my and chooks help and recover the cabbages.

PS what is the germination time for eggs to caterpillars, anyone?

PPS I'm off on Monday am not back until Friday PM and His Lordship will be watering but that's all he's capable of doing and I am worried sick

[SarzWix]

5 days from eggs to caterpillar - I looked it up the other day for someone.

I dunno, that is a dilemma! I would say that it's easier to find the caterpillars and/or eggs on the PSB, rather than on the cabbages where they might sneak their way into the hearts before you spot them?

[Rocketron]

Cover the PSB and leave the red cabbage in the open, IMVHO.
Apparently, Cabbage White Butterflies don't like red brassicas as much as the normal ones. It's to do with Sulphur, IIRC.

[Glutton4...]

Spray your Brassicas with a vile smelling liquid made from water and Rhubarb leaves - I've read that it's the best thing to keep Cabbage Whites away!

I've a dustbin full of the foul stuff if you want some. Cabbage Whites here, were about 4' off the ground today, so looks like it's working!

[Two_Sheds]

I'd leave the red cabbages to it and protect the PSB. The cabbage will be ready to eat soon anyway?

[SarzWix]

Oh yeah, that's a good point about it being red cabbage - I've grown them uncovered before and they were completely untouched! They must give off a different smell or something. In that case, I'll completely contradict myself and say cover the PSB

[zazen999]

I'd concur, my red cabbages are ridiculously clean - just a little white fly. I sprayed with the garlic and chilli mix just to be on the safe side this evening.

I find looking for any bugs on PSB much harder than cabbages, so they get enviromeshes and left, whereas the others get netted or left to it and sprayed when there is sign of trouble.

[HayleyB]

Ummmmmm.............

Well..........

Yesterday I took the plunge as there was a butterfly trapped, uncovered all squished loads of eggs on a red cabbage, re-covered the cabbage and left the PSB open.

To be honest the PSB are so big there's no way the net will cover them widthways for much longer I'll just have to be vigilant when I get back. I'm working on the theory that the cats will not get to do a huge amount of damage between now and the end of the summer considering the size of each leaf and the PSB will have time to recover a bit before cropping.

What do you think?