Kitchen Garden Forum

Looking for something organic to get rid of caterpillars (cabbage white). We planted about 40 cabbages at various ages and put collars round, still lost four to cabbage root fly. We then made a cage of one centemetre square mesh bhut this week we now have the Bl***y caterpillars on the cabbages. I am squemish and dont like squashing them, as a child I had no problem and I used to jump on them oh how times change.

We have looked on the internet and found something called Dipel and or garlic spray.

Has anyone else used this method to treat cabbage white caterpillars.

We only have three days to treat the cabbages before we are away and the "the lunatics take over the asylum" Any suggestions as we dont have anyone to check daily that there are any caterpillars.

Hi Catherine,

What about liquid derris? That's organic.
Not long now then. Bet you can't wait

I mentioned Derris to a gardener where I work and he said it had been discontinued, that was yesterday so my OH went on the internet and came us with these two alternatives. If it hasn't been discontined that I will look for some today and get them sprayed. Yes I am very excited, sad person that I am, I could not sleep this morning and have been up since 5am thinking of things I need to do. The rain has helped things and my MIL might not have to water the whole plot whilst we are away.

I closed the polytunnel doors last night because the wind had got up quite a bit and our site is very exposed. So I am off up there now to open up before I have my breakfast.

Hi Catherine,

Derris is being discontinued after this year apparently. I bought a couple of bottles last week in ESK. It should still be available in garden centres or online. Best to stock up while you still can.

Thanks PJ I will go shoppping for it this afternoon. As well as last minute holiday shopping. Got to get my OH extra present as it's his birthday whilst we are away. Left it a little late to find anything