[NorfolkVeg]

I've started to sow seeds on the allotment and I don't really know what needs covering or what with to stop the pests destroying or eating the seedlings/flowers/crops.

So far I have planted:
Cauliflower
Raspberry canes
Broad Beans
Parnips
Potato
Beetroot
Onion Sets
Leek seed


Will also be doing:

Lettuce (head and leaf)
Radish
Strawberry plants (Got old rabbit run to put them in)
Sweetcorn
Swede
Sugar Snap Peas
Purple Sprouting Brocoli

Thanks in advance.

Rick

[Nikkithefoot]

On my plot everything needs covering to stop deer and rabbits!!!! as well as caterpillars etc.

Broadly speaking for you the soft fruit will need some protection from birds, and the swede, broccoli and cauliflower protecting from pigeons and the dreaded caterpillars.

The broad beans will need their tops pinching out to reduce blackfly / aphid infestation, and the sweetcorn will need protecting from mice. I use old squash bottles (topped and tailed) at the bottom of each plant so the little critturs can't get to the stems to climb up.

The lettuce will be a slug magnet.

Other than that you should be fine I think   ................................

[JayG]

Depends a lot on what sort of pests you are likely to have!

Most seedlings are vulnerable to slugs/snails until they have grown a bit, although lettuces remain a favourite treat whatever size they are.

Pigeons are particularly fond of young peas and brassicas of any size/age (and you really would be taking a gamble not netting brassicas against cabbage white butterflies.)

Birds can nobble your raspberries, although I find they seem to leave my autumn-fruiters alone.

The other things on your list should be OK, unless of course you have rabbits and/or deer to contend with as well!!   

[jaysez]

Hi All,

We have just taken on an allotment this year so are wet behind the ears when it comes to growing anything!! We have planted lots of veg but have no idea if we should net them all......net some.......... don't net at all to protect them from the pesky birds. We have so far planted onions, pots, peas, carrots and will be planting beetroot, sprouts and sweetcorn. Any general help on netting would be appreciated.

[Yorkie]

Hi All,

We have just taken on an allotment this year so are wet behind the ears when it comes to growing anything!! We have planted lots of veg but have no idea if we should net them all......net some.......... don't net at all to protect them from the pesky birds. We have so far planted onions, pots, peas, carrots and will be planting beetroot, sprouts and sweetcorn. Any general help on netting would be appreciated.

onions, pots, beetroot, sprouts and sweetcorn - No need to net
peas - Net against pigeons (quite large mesh will do, just make sure they can't peck the plants through the net)
carrots - Net against carrot root fly, using enviromesh or similar small size net

[Hampshire Hog]

Brassicas will always need to be covered. Other things I would ask others on the plot so you know what beasties you are likely to be attacked by!

My neighbour protects everything I tend to be more relaxed but I wake up if things get attacked. Mind you I lost several broad beans despite being under cover and protected from slugs.(MIce??)

Good luck in the war!!

HH

[NorfolkVeg]

Thanks All.

Can anyone suggest cost effective roll of covering and netting and where from.

Cheers