Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Ema on August 05, 2013, 19:10

Title: PSB & Kale seedlings eaten by catapillers
Post by: Ema on August 05, 2013, 19:10
Is there any chance of saving these?

(http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx118/akaemzybabe/53720EBA-CC01-41E7-A0C2-3B89C4B8B802-918-0000014A718915C1_zps14957579.jpg)
Title: Re: PSB & Kale seedlings eaten by catapillers
Post by: Nikkithefoot on August 05, 2013, 19:21
Possibly, pick off all the remaining caterpillars and eggs then get under netting of less that 7mm holes. You stand a chance, certainly worth a try unless you resow and hope it stays mild for them to catch up.
Title: Re: PSB & Kale seedlings eaten by catapillers
Post by: goodtogrow on August 05, 2013, 19:54
Agree with Nikki.  They look like big transplants.  If you can provide good soil and protection
Title: Re: PSB & Kale seedlings eaten by catapillers
Post by: Ema on August 05, 2013, 23:47
Thanks everyone thought I'd been smart and covered them with fleece only to find there must have been eggs already on them.

I've picked off the catapillers and put them in a pot with a few leaves.

Will move them to the plot this week and hope they take off
Title: Re: PSB & Kale seedlings eaten by catapillers
Post by: Salmo on August 06, 2013, 00:11
Plants like that should be OK. Both, especially the PSB, have a long time to grow. Just make sure that you get no more caterpillars. Keep looking under the leaves and rub the eggs off.

The clouds of white butterflies are everywhere now. All the brassicas on our allotments have groups of yellow eggs on their undersides. I noticed today that the first ones were hatched. Give it about a week and everyone will be surprised that their crops are being eaten.
Title: Re: PSB & Kale seedlings eaten by catapillers
Post by: devonbarmygardener on August 06, 2013, 01:05
Potentially.
Although you may need to do some investigating and sqvishing!! :D

Brassicas are very good at putting new leaves in (particularly the kales and cabbages) the centre of the plant.

Just KILL every cattypiddler you see and wipe off any eggs - and wash your hands after ;)