Beating Cabbage Butterflies

Squat_Johnson 3/31/2011, 5:49 pm

I grew Brussels Sprouts last year, and the cabbage butterflies had a feast. I however did not get a bite.

I just set out a few in a bed along with broccoli and cabbages yesterday, and need to prevent this...

I am looking at either agribond row cover or the bird netting to keep them out. Does anyone have any preference/ experience with either? both? Are they small enough to get through the lightweight bird net?

How about steel cages? bear traps? flame thrower?

dizzygardener 3/31/2011, 6:05 pm

Row cover. Definitely row cover!

The local farmer around here swear by it. I've got some Reemay up myself.

Bird netting will still allow some insects through.

CindiLou 4/1/2011, 1:20 am

another option is tulle...I buy it by the yard at walmart lol.... works just like row cover.

Goosegirl 4/1/2011, 7:49 am

Another option is panels of drapery sheers. They are even finer weave than tulle and the light colored ones will still let lots of light in. Dig through the local thrift store to find them CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!

TC

quiltbea 4/1/2011, 1:40 pm

For row cover get the lightest weight. You only want to deter pests, not the sunshine and rain nor do you want the plants to heat up under the row cover.

I get mine at Johnnyseeds.com and I use it year after year.
Beating Cabbage Butterflies 06-12-18

Mine kept the flea beetles off my mini Super Red 80 cabbages so I was able to harvest them all in great shape. This also keeps birds away from the strawberries.

I use the heavy row cover for early spring and late fall help in keeping crops going when temps drop to freezing. The heavy row cover can protect down to a few degrees below freezing.

Good luck this year in defeating the pests.

**camprn** 4/1/2011, 2:36 pm

I went to Joann Fabrics this afternoon and found out that the nylon tulle is going on sale 4/21/11 for $0.75/yard. I know where I am getting my covers for the brassicas! Wink

Our local walmart got rid of the fabric/ craft section last year Sad

CindiLou 4/1/2011, 3:52 pm

Goosegirl wrote:Another option is panels of drapery sheers. They are even finer weave than tulle and the light colored ones will still let lots of light in. Dig through the local thrift store to find them CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!

TC

OH! good idea!

**camprn** 4/1/2011, 4:03 pm

CindiLou wrote:
Goosegirl wrote:Another option is panels of drapery sheers. They are even finer weave than tulle and the light colored ones will still let lots of light in. Dig through the local thrift store to find them CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!

TC

OH! good idea!

OH! By golly I think I have some of those in the cellar! Brilliant!!

shannon1 4/15/2011, 2:57 am

I use gardens alive superlight insect barrier but like the idea above would have used it if I knew. I love this forum.

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