[Florablunder]

I don't seem to be able to grow rocket at the allotment any more - I'm trying two different types at the moment and there are also some self-sown ones that have popped up - and all of the leaves are completely covered with little holes and really don't look like you'd want to eat them. Same thing happened last year. Is there anything I can do about this, or do I have to just give up on growing rocket??

[pootler]

sounds like flea-beetle. The only solution I have is to grow when they are dormant - autumn, winter, and early spring. I don't think they are an ideal summer crop

[AnneB]

sounds like flea-beetle. The only solution I have is to grow when they are dormant - autumn, winter, and early spring. I don't think they are an ideal summer crop

Or grow under netting to keep the flea beetle out.

[Florablunder]

Thanks both - I'll try again in the autumn and get some netting for use next summer. 

[New shoot]

I don’t want to rain on your parade Flora, but I have tried fine white insect netting on the plot and the flea beetle still gets in somehow.

I can grow rocket at home in a pot, but have given up at the plot. Too many other crops about and a constant supply of flea beetles there it would seem 

[AnneB]

I don’t want to rain on your parade Flora, but I have tried fine white insect netting on the plot and the flea beetle still gets in somehow.

I can grow rocket at home in a pot, but have given up at the plot. Too many other crops about and a constant supply of flea beetles there it would seem 

That's a shame New Shoot.  I find that enviromesh keeps out flea beetle on our site whereas the wider mesh does not.