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In anticipation of some suggestions about size 15 1/2 collar, how big does the brassica collar need to be and can it be made of cardboard? The reason I ask is I have acres of cardboard suppressing weeds, and was thinking I could use some of it to make collars when the brassicas go in. How wide do the root flies travel? Would it be ideal to have a continuous line of collar or is that going over the top ? Thanks, Sue.
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supplimentary q.....
how big is the 'ole in the middle? The brassica stems are titchy now, but do you have to allow for stem growth? i'm thinking it would be a shame for the cabbages to gradually decapitate themselves......
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Pre-made (expensive) collars are about 4 or 5 inches in diameter, and the holes in the middle are cut in the shape of a cross so that as the cabbage stem grows thicker it has room to expand. I've never used them myself, and haven't had any problems with root fly.Comment
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Aha! Hadn't thought of that, RL!
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Have read suggestions that using old carpet underlay is good. Cut into 5" squares and a slit from outside to middle.
I havent used collars and had no problems
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I didn't realise you needed to do this...so would cardboard do the trick?Comment
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Im hoping so Eskymo, as we haven't got any carpet felt and the bit of old carpet I have is covering the compost heap! I'm sure I read somewhere that you can use cardboard.
Sue.Comment
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Cardboard would be fine - bear in mind that it is not as weatherproof as the collars you can purchase, or anything non biodegradeable such as foam underlay. Extended wet spells and high winds might mean you have to replace the collars - just keep an eye on them.
The power of growing brassica stems is impressive - they will push out anything your put round them (within reason!!). The collars tend to become a bit mangled after a while, but then when the plants are growing strongly they should be able to take some grief.Comment
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