caterpillars.:(....how can I win???

[jnkimjones]

my brassicas have been decimated this year by caterpillars.

Has anyone ever used 'Natural Pest Control - just Caterpillar Treatment' and has it worked?

It's quiet pricey if it doesn't

[Nicos]

I think the answer is netting- not just chucked over, but a cage.
I've never had so many caterpillars- but then again- I've never seen so many beautiful butterflies !!!
My netting clearly worked to start with , but the wind must have moved it enough to allow access for the flutterbies to make babies.

It's nature- but can be controlled with determination.

Frame for us next year

[jnkimjones]

I've ordered 'Build a frame' balls. Just need to get a net sorted for next year.

All the old men down the allotment have no problem....it must be the chemicals. I'm trying to keep away from all that....but the flutterbies are doing my head in!

[oldie]

I have adopted a system of 2mx1m beds. Not for everyone but suits me. I have built a number of wooden frames (scavenged) of various heights and stapled either mesh or fleece to them. They can be moved easily to other beds or for weeding. I am very happy with the results 'cos this seems to have been a bumper year for butterflies of all types including the whites. My 40" high frame to cover the PSB looks a bit odd and leans a bit but it will keep the pests off.

[jnkimjones]

Sounds like a plan! Free cycle here I come.

[Pies]

This is my attempt for next year

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ces_37668.html

[johninblackpool]

I'm Deffinately getting netting for next year
This is my first year at GYO and am learning all the time and the curve at the moment is so steep you wouldn't believe
I only have a few Brussels and i can go out to check them and ahour later the leaves have eggs on again
Definately netting for me

[gojiberry]

Last year I tried a fleece frame which did an excellent job of keeping out the butterflies and the cabbage root fly but it was an absolute pain when I needed to weed and I thought that the cabbages were rather pale in colour. So back to letting nature run its course this year. Although there are literally hundreds of of whites about I haven't had a major infestation and get enough of a feed out of the cabbages once the outer damaged leaves have been removed. I think the enviro netting would probably allow a lot more light in and improve the growing quality.

Ian

[zazen999]

Netting, but garlic and chilli spray really does work well if you keep spraying the caterpillars.

[Gorgey Girl]

Netting, but garlic and chilli spray really does work well if you keep spraying the caterpillars.

I agree, have had good results keeping the bluggers down with the garlic fire spray concoction; shame it's rained so much as have to keep spraying...

[WeeGarden]

I made up a washing up liquid and garlic spray last week and it seems to have made a difference, but I'm not sure if it's just end of the egg laying season for them...

Ooo... going to add chilli now!

[salilah]

Any chance of a recipe for garlic and chilli spray? I've some caterpillars still (scrunched a few) and have extra chillis (and can buy garlic!)
thx
S

[daffydill]

Any chance of a recipe for garlic and chilli spray? I've some caterpillars still (scrunched a few) and have extra chillis (and can buy garlic!)
thx
S

yee this sounds promising so Ill second the vote for the recipe

[WeeGarden]

I just mash up a few cloves of garlic and boil it up for a few minutes, strain into a plant spray, and add about 10 drops of Ecover washing up liquid. Tomorrow, I'll be mashing up a chilli to add to it.

[craftygirl24]

I bought an organic spray by Bayer Garder and it's wonderful. Kills them stone dead!