The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Gardens => Topic started by: greenfingers on August 20, 2008, 11:42:50 am

Title: Caterpillar Problem
Post by: greenfingers on August 20, 2008, 11:42:50 am

Hi.
I have just checked my veggie garden and all my brassicas, well most of them are covered in eggs and caterpillars.  I have removed as many as I can and have also had to spray the plants with a bug spray.
I have Googled insect mesh and the price of it is ridiculus, any ideas what I could use next year as it is too late for this year now.  We live part way up a hill and are very exposed to winds so what ever I use will  have to be securely pinned down.  Any ideas?? ??? :bfly:
Elaine

Title: Re: Caterpillar Problem
Post by: rustyme on August 20, 2008, 12:50:46 pm

hello Elaine,
                if your plot is too big to just rub them off by hand, then you could try a biological killer such as the  nemasys  range. I have used the nemaslug one and it works very well . If you need lots it can get a bit pricey , but it lasts for some time . Everything has gone very dear nowdays , so on the whole it is all handwork now for me. However , now and then I have to admit defeat!!! as with the slugs, and get a control . I got mine from chase organics, but it is available elsewhere. Below is nemasys' web link , hope it is of some help to you :

http://www.nemasysinfo.com/

cheers

Russ
 
ps; you could also make up a framework cage and cover it in 1/4" plastic netting , such as they use for fruit etc. That would keep out the cabbage white butterfly . It would also last for a few years if looked after.

Title: Re: Caterpillar Problem
Post by: greenfingers on August 23, 2008, 12:17:20 pm

Hi Russ,
thanks for that, I checked out the website, I also have the Chase Organics book.
In the end they had a squirt of Fairy liquid as I had run out of Bug spray.  They are not too bad now, I brush them off with an old paint brush and bin them.  I have bought some netting now for next year and Stuart is going to build a frame work for it. My veggie plot is bout 30 metres by 8 metres, a fair size,and I have a large number of brassicas which have been attacked.
It's the first time I have grown veggies etc so I will know for next year along with all the problems that have occurred.  Knowledge is wonderful thing.
Elaine