cabbage collars on the cheap?

[salome2001]

Hi all
Last year I bought cabbage collars for my brassicas which *said* they were "reusable" but after a year they most certainly were not!
Would just making collars out of cardboard work? I have christmas card type cardboard and cereal packet cardboard to choose from...

[rustylady]

Yes - the thicker the card the better as it will last longer. The idea is to make it close fitting round the stems to stop the root flies laying their eggs at the base of the stems. You may have to renew them if they get very wet and start to dissolve.

[salome2001]

might go with the christmas cards then. Thanks!

[Mikey]

I've seen some use black plastic collars using small strips of dpc. It will last longer than the cardboard if you can hold of an offcut.

[Snadger]

Chickweed works for me!

[WendyC]

Chickweed works for me!

I've plenty you can have. Would you like it posted? With or without seeds...

[kathyd]

Chickweed works for me!

Really?? But...!! I've just pulled up loads of chickweed from around my brassicas!!

[Jimmy]

I usually cut an old growbag/compost bag up into 5 inch squares.
Make a cut to the centre.
The lay around the seedling black side up and weigh down with a few pebbles.
Perhaps a very small hole in the centre.
Jimmy

[completely plotty]

Old carpet or underlay also works well

[Florence Fennel]

We use paper plates when we can to save on washing up so they are cut down into collars and the rest goes in the compost bin.

[Jimmy]

We use paper plates when we can to save on washing up so they are cut down into collars and the rest goes in the compost bin.

So when you pick your cabbages they are already on a plate ?