Something nibbling your broccoli? Here are some easy strategies for protecting your broccoli and bassicas from common pests this winter.
If you’re growing cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale or bok choy, chances are you’ve met the cabbage white butterfly. The butterfly itself is quite pretty fluttering around the garden, but don’t be fooled! They’re busy laying their eggs, and the tiny green caterpillars that follow do a lot of damage, chewing through leaves at lightning speed. Even seedlings can be wiped out overnight, so early protection is key.
3 methods for protecting your broccoli
- Use pest exclusion netting
A great family-friendly solution is to cover your crops with pest exclusion netting. It’s an easy, set-and-forget method that keeps butterflies from laying eggs on your plants. Nets are lightweight and available in various sizes at garden centres - Handpick caterpillars
Prefer a hands-on approach? Picking off caterpillars (and their tiny eggs) is strangely satisfying, and a fun challenge for kids! Just be sure to wear gardening gloves to keep your hands clean and protected while you work. - Try organic sprays
Use Dipel (a natural caterpillar control) or pyrethrum spray to protect your brassicas. Both are effective and garden-safe when used as directed. Some good natural options are: https://www.ecoorganicgarden.com.au/products/pest-disease/eco-pyrethrum-plus/or eco-caterpillar killer – eco-organic garden by OC
With a little effort and the right tools, you can stop cabbage white butterflies in their tracks and enjoy healthy, thriving broccoli all season long.
Additional growing tip:
Spread sugarcane mulch from The Garden Family around your brassicas to lock in moisture and keep weeds (and pests) at bay.
