[LottyLouis]

Am thinking about getting some debris netting to keep out the darling cabbage whites - probably too late for this year? Anyhoooo - saw some very reasonably priced stuff on The Bay of E....it looks just the job. However - the mesh looks so fine - will I really be able to water through it - and does it not keep out a fair bit of light? Also - I note that it comes in various colours. Is there a preferable colour?   

[m1ckz]

yes  nb    the water goes in very well 

[m1ckz]

the light gets in as well  most people use green as i do

[Nikkithefoot]

I find it also seems to bring crops on a little, so I think it does have a bit of a greenhouse effect. Also reasonable at keeping weed seeds off. Just a faff to keep lifting to weed etc.

[mjg000]

Only slight issue is that when it is held taut by the support structure gaps appear along the black line which could potentially let in butterflies so you have to secure these somehow, people sew or catch string through etc.

[mumofstig]

I find it also seems to bring crops on a little, so I think it does have a bit of a greenhouse effect.

It gives plants protection from wind, and gives them a little bit of shade when the sun is very strong - but not too much that they can't grow strongly.

[ghost61]

Best thing since sliced bread.  Swear by it, but it doesn't stop whitefly!

[BabbyAnn]

Swear by it, but it doesn't stop whitefly!

LOL - I noticed that too - nothing worse than bending down with your head inside the cage when weeding and you find yourself in a swarm of whitefly

Also reasonable at keeping weed seeds off. Just a faff to keep lifting to weed etc.

oh yes I agree - especially dandelion!

[mjg000]

What is the thought on keeping off BLACKFLY from eg BROAD BEANS?  This year was so bad, might cover BB's with debris netting from say early April onwards?

[mumofstig]

Aphids - green, white and black fly can get through debris netting

You'd need enviro or vegi mesh to keep them off.

[Flowertot]

Aphids - green, white and black fly can get through debris netting

You'd need enviro or vegi mesh to keep them off.

Now there's a thought. But don't they need insects for pollination?

[Growster...]

Best thing since sliced bread.  Swear by it, but it doesn't stop whitefly!

It stops carrot fly too, as long as you bury the edges...

[cadalot]

It works for me and I don't sow up the tie slots

[mumofstig]

Aphids - green, white and black fly can get through debris netting

You'd need enviro or vegi mesh to keep them off.

Now there's a thought. But don't they need insects for pollination?

There is quite a lot of discussion about this on the web. The general opinion is that they are partially self pollinating - but will set more pods if the bees can get to them.
So you choose between slightly lower yield and no black fly or slightly higher yield with black fly