Cauliflower problems

[Bob_]

I've always had problems with cabbage white caterpilers, so I kept the cauliflowers well covered this year. However, even though I have seen no caterpillers this year, the cauliflower plant leaves have still been well eaten by something. I'm including a photo. Has anyone any ideas what's causing it?

[Florence Fennel]

Is the netting really fine Bob? If not the Cabbage Whites still manage to lay eggs - did you check? Welcome by the way

[Snoop Puss]

Looks like slug or snail damage to me. Horrible when you've done your best, isn't it? You might find them lurking at the base.

Out of interest, how far apart are the plants? They look quite close in comparison with mine. Another thing I tend to do is earth them up a bit to stop them from rocking too much in the wind.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Hi Bob

and welcome from me also!

Looking at your pic, and is hard to determine, but looks like chicken wire you have used? is it covered with something else?

But that surely looks like "Cabbage White" damage to me!

[Potstubsdustbins]

I agree with Deano looking at the size of the holes in the netting that will not stop flutterbyes, they will just fold their wings and fly straight through it. How do I know, a few years back I did exactly the same I bought so called butterfly netting with exactly the same result.

I learnt from the Vine the holes have to be no more the 7mm and hopefully smaller. I now use black pond netting from Wilko's with a 7mm hole double layered and take great delight in watching butterflies trying to work their way through.

And welcome to the madhouse have fun.

[Bob_]

Thanks

I've always had problems with cabbage white caterpilers, so I kept the cauliflowers well covered this year. However, even though I have seen no caterpillers this year, the cauliflower plant leaves have still been well eaten by something. I'm including a photo. Has anyone any ideas what's causing it?[ATTACH=CONFIG]75644[/ATTACH]

Thanks for all your replies. The plants are protected by chicken wire covered with a very fine plastic netting. I'm pretty sure butterflies can't get through, so maybe it was slugs. The plants are probably too close together. I was trying to do intensive gardening, but I think next year I'll plant them further apart.

[Snoop Puss]

I'm sure intensive gardening works well for some things. The trouble is that some plants are just plain big... and caulis need room to spread their leaves and roots. I'm always surprised at the size they get to.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Or grow a variety bred for smaller gardens, as I grow in pots I have used White Spot for the last two years and at last have had good success.

[burnie]

Welcome Bob, where are you based? It helps when we know your climate to answer any questions, up here in the polar bear country we got very few cabbage whites, but I still put up netting and sure enough the slugs proliferate because the birds can't get in to eat the slugs and snails.

[Bob_]

Slugs & snails

Welcome Bob, where are you based? It helps when we know your climate to answer any questions, up here in the polar bear country we got very few cabbage whites, but I still put up netting and sure enough the slugs proliferate because the birds can't get in to eat the slugs and snails.

Hi burnie, I'm in the best of places, Cornwall, so it should be plenty warm enough, although this year hasn't been the best. You're probably right. The birds haven't been getting the slugs and snails due to the find mesh I've used. I'll have to use more slug repellant next year.

[Bob_]

Intensive gardening

I'm sure intensive gardening works well for some things. The trouble is that some plants are just plain big... and caulis need room to spread their leaves and roots. I'm always surprised at the size they get to.

Yes, you're right. Caulis need much more room than I gave them. Oh well, there's always next year.