Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi,

I'm wanting to protect my brassica seedlings, still in modules, from attack by the Cabbage Root Fly. I thought I would make some small frames and cover them with fleece. They will be small and light, so I can just lift them off and move them without effort.

The thing is, the modules are outside the planthouse, stood on a wire grill (about 12 inches off the ground). What I was wondering was, if I just cover the plants, is the fly likely to gain access from below? Does anyone know if this fly has a set 'line of attack'?

I know I could get around the problem either by laying fleece over the grill they stand on (but I don't want to wast fleece if I don't need to), or by replacing the grill with a solid wooden base, but if I could get away with just protecting from above, it would be better.

What do you think?

Hi Caz,
All my plants are in the tunnels but they are stood on sheets of expanded polystyrene and covered with fleece and the things the field mice like are covered with a wire grills. With these the staging is also covered with Sterling Board which is to a degree water proof.
CRF will attack you plants at any time and certainly where you have them.
I have had occasions when they have attacked seedlings not more than a couple of weeks old. So you have been warned! Take this as the yellow card!
JB.

Dear Caz, could you lay fleece on top of the mesh, then place your trays of Brassicas followed by your well designed small frames.

Johnboy: I got my first warning last Sept/Oct, when the blasted things got some of my Spring Hero cabbage seedlings, so with your second warning, I guess I'm off - off to cover the plants straightaway, that is

OH: Yes, I think that is the easiest answer. Not sure about the 'well designed small frames', though - you haven't seen my DIY

Update: It's been too wet this morning to do anything in the garden or the allotment, so I've sorted out this cabbage fly problem:

Old freezer baskets are now covered in fleece, to make small, portable protection 'tents'. I can use these anywhere; in the planthouse, in the garden etc.

The hardening-off table outside the planthouse has been 'extended' with a solid base on the part where I have stood all the brassicas. These are now covered over with one single sheet of fleece.

Just the job - I hope

Well done Caz.