[Tenhens]

Have tried growing sprouts for the first time for quite a few years  this year. Unfortunately they have been got at by the caterpillars big time. Will I get any crops or do I pull them up and start again? I did have them netted but I made the mistake of removing it too early! 

[gobs]

It depends, how damaged they are. If the buttons are badly ruined, you won't get new ones.

[Tenhens]

The leaves are pretty well shredded ., there are a few buds but I think it's back to the drawing board!

[mumofstig]

If it's the leaves that are shredded rather then the baby sprout buds, they should recover -i f they are recovered with netting 

[DIGGER]

Make sure that you give them a good feed and you should be ok.

[Kristen]

This time of the year you probably don't need the land for a different crop? so might as well leave them and cross your fingers   Keep them netted though, otherwise the pigeons will be the next to destroy them

[Tenhens]

Thank you for the replies.  Will leave them in situ and keep the pigeons at bay. A lesson learn t  regarding pest control. On a positive note have grown potatoes ( Desiree) beetroot and sweet corn with good results.

[gobs]

As per Mum, if the buttons are not devastated, feed them, cover them, etc. However, just for nothing else is in there I would not leave them in, because of club root, weakened plants shall be more vulnerable.

Anything, that's already under stress is at risk of all pathogens more easily getting hold.

[heloise]

Our brussells were also devastated this year by butterflies and whitefly (my poor babies!) but the actual sprouts still seem to be going. The tops of the skeletal plants have now begun to regrow a bit and they are looking a bit healthier than before. So leaving them in does work - don't give up quite yet 

[engineer]

Make sure that you give them a good feed and you should be ok.

What do you feed with at this time of year?

[Kristen]

I am always on the lookout for new information on the forums.

I did not know/think that Cabbage White butterfly is a vector for clubroot.  My understanding, but happy to be corrected, is that clubroot will only come onto a plot in soil - on someone's wellies or on plants "brought in"

[DIGGER]

I use home made stinging nettle feed,but tomato feed would help.You will see a difference.

[Aunt Sally]

My understanding, but happy to be corrected, is that clubroot will only come onto a plot in soil - on someone's wellies or on plants "brought in"

That is correct Kristen .  Shared water dip tanks can also be a problem.  On an allotment it is a rare plot that doesn't have some club root on it.

Anything, that's already under stress is at risk of all pathogens more easily getting hold.

Gobs is exactly right.  Healthy strong plants can grow and produce a crop even if they are infected with clubroot.  It may be a slightly smaller crop but the plant will not necessarily fail.  Weak or stressed plants will stand no chance if infected.