Netted brassicas

[multiveg]

We have again netted the brassicas this year but somehow, some butterflies and even sparrows got in. I occasionally crawl in to pick off any caterpillars that have sneaked in. However, I discovered some eggs of something on the netting - could some be getting in that way?

[Bigmallly]

Can't quite work out the netting size but it looks too open to me. I and many others use fine debris netting. Flutterbies can squeeze through the tiniest of holes.

[Kitchen Gardener]

We bought scaffolding debris netting from the builders merchants, better and cheaper than usual stuff and it seems to have kept out most of the butterflies.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I use netting but apply at least two coverings, that brings the hole size down to about 3mm. Not perfect but greatly reduces the infection.

[rhonsal]

That explains a lot - I've made a cage out of netting advertised as suitable for use over ponds and to keep out butterflies but found some little caterpillars on my kale this morning and picked off what I could see!

Might need to think again

[Stan79]

I used some larger gauge netting last year and my brassicas got munched. Debris netting off eBay this year and so far, looking good!

[Scarlet]

I agree with the others, your netting looks too open. I also use debris netting. It needs to be secure around the edges, how did you peg it down? Also if the netting touches the plant, the butterfly's will just lay their eggs through it.

[Bill HH]

My cage is debris netting and it works very well, but it dosent stop those pesky slugs.

[Potstubsdustbins]

If we were nearer Bill I could lend you SWMBO, she hates slugs with a vengeance and spends some of her evenings doing the rounds with the salt pot for concrete areas and cocktail sticks for other spots.

[Penellype]

That explains a lot - I've made a cage out of netting advertised as suitable for use over ponds and to keep out butterflies but found some little caterpillars on my kale this morning and picked off what I could see!

Might need to think again

The netting sold as butterfly netting does not keep out butterflies. Last time I used this stuff to cover broccoli I watched a cabbage white land on it, carefully fold back its wings and squeeze through one of the holes. The net was undamaged. I agree that debris netting or similar is the best for brassicas.