[Bowen]

My second post, hurrah!

So, last year I planted lots of cabbage and didn't net them in time so they pretty much all got nibbled by the cabbage whites!
This year I will net them as soon as they go in.

Does anyone have any other advice on what to protect and when?

I'm growing Swede, Parsnips, Red and Savoy Cabbage, Leeks, Carrots, Runner Beans, Peas, Courgette...

Are any of my veggies more susceptible to slugs than others for example?

[JayG]

Most seedlings are susceptible to slug attack but much less so as they mature (except lettuces!) Of the things on your list I would say that peas are probably the most inviting thing to slugs but they too should be safe when a bit bigger and tougher.

Peas and brassicas are also vulnerable to pigeons, and as you've already discovered brassicas also need protection from the cabbage white butterfly.

Carrots need fine netting (e.g. enviromesh) to keep the carrot fly off them.

(You'll soon get use to it!) 

[Bowen]

Thanks! I have some wire mesh tunnels that I made last year so will put those over any new brassicas I put in over the next weeks to protect from birds.

Should I scatter slug pelets around most new seedlings then?

[JayG]

If you put "debris" or "debris netting" into the search facility on this forum you will find enough info about a popular way of keeping both pigeons and cabbage whites off brassicas to keep you amused all evening! 

Until you get used to which seedlings are more or less vulnerable (and also get to know your slug and snail population!) I would recommend using slug control measures, but would also urge you to use the new ferric phospate version of slug pellets which don't harm other wildlife.