Ugh... Cabbage moths already?!
rgreen48
8 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (7)
Related Discussions
bird netting and cabbage moths
Comments (4)If you have the wrong row cover, just go down to a fabric store and get some wide tulle. It should come as wide as 108" and probably be white but it'll work. Get enough to double it because it's easier to handle that way. You can tape the edges with something like masking tape to keep it from tearing or make your own bias tape and use that if you sew....See Moreare those white moths the ***** ones?
Comments (6)I think perhaps the gray dark "eggs" you were seeing was actually the frass, the poop, from the caterpillars as the eggs are usually white or yellow or gold (depending on the species). And Brussel sprouts have several different pests that aren't always common to cabbage and other cole crops so IDing the actual problem pest is the first step when it comes to deciding on the treatment. Check out the site linked below for more details. As to the row covers, I didn't say it was too late although you would have to treat the plants extensively first or you'd just be sealing the bad guys in. But you indicated above that you couldn't or didn't want to use them. If you can then they are the best all-around prevention/control tool IMO. BS are self-supporting so a tent drape of row cover over the whole plant and weighted down at the bottom (big enough to rise as the plant grows) works well. You can also just drive a stake beside each plant and tent the cover over it. Just be sure to use something light weight like the insect barrier Reemay so you don't trap too much heat inside too. Hope this helps. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: IPM Control of Brussel Sprout Pests and Diseases...See MoreAlready Found Cabbage Worms on the Broccoli
Comments (19)Betty, The aspargus news is great. Hearing that cabbage worms are that far north this early is not so great. Just because I said I 'rarely' see the diamondback moths and their cabbage looper offspring here, one of the moths came and landed right in the mulch beside me the next day, as if to say "I'm here!" So, I am sure I'll find some cabbage loopers on something any day now. Heather, Have you seen any lady bugs around yet? If they are there, they'll gobble up the aphids in no time at all. At my house, when I first see aphids in the spring, if I ignore them, the lady bugs will show up approximately 3 to 7 days later and start eating the aphids. I haven't seen any ladybugs yet here, but then maybe I just haven't had anything for them to eat yet. It is still pretty early. I don't think I've ever seen aphids on onions so am unsure if aggressive action should be taken. If you don't think they're doing too much damage, I'd wait and see if the rain handles them. Of course, if spraying with neem would make you happy because it is one less thing to worry about, then go ahead and zap them with it so you just don't even have to worry about it. The neem isn't going to hurt. If the aphids are on the peas, I'd spray with neem if the lady bugs aren't around. Aphids can be quite damaging to peas and lots of folks don't check the undersides of the leaves for them, so don't realize they have an aphid problem until the leaves start showing symptoms. It is so much better if you can stop them before the leaves start showing damage. Generally, the only insect I worry about with onions is thrips, although I rarely see them here. I watch carefully for the thrips because they can do a great deal of damage to onions. I am seeing leaf miner damage on my cole crops and spinach, but that's pretty typical for this early in the year. I just ignore it and the miners generally go away. Dawn...See MoreAphids & Cabbage Worms - Help!
Comments (8)In terms of experience, I can't really help you, as this is my first year planting a garden. But in theory... I've learned far more about gardening in the past few weeks through reading than I ever thought possible. Not sure how much these will help or if they really work... but here are a few aphid/cutworm control methods I've learned lately: Natural predators - this idea is interesting to me. (Lacewings, Lady bugs, etc.) Lacewings only feed on aphids in the larval stage though. As adults they'll feed on nectar... so they'll at least pollinate for you. Lady bugs are another option. You can get like 5,000 lady bugs from Amazon.com for about $15. I've also read a little bit about Beneficial Nematodes, which seems like a really helpful pest control method. They'll apparently attack and kill over 200 species of insect pests, including harmful nematodes and cutworms. You can get about 7,000,000 of them for around $15 on Amazon. As for aphids, you can apparently use both deterrent and attractive plants to control them. Place plants they're attracted to away from your garden. I can't remember them all, but apparently mums and sunflowers work well as attractors. I read somewhere that ants will actually herd aphids into sunflowers like cattle. Deterrents include onions and garlic. Apparently, planting stuff that attracts predatory insects also helps, such as mint, dill, clover, etc. In fact, there are several different spices and flowers that a lot of gardeners claim to be very beneficial to a vegetable garden. It's worth looking into if you get the time....See More
rgreen48
8 years ago
jrslick (North Central Kansas, Zone 5B)
8 years agorgreen48 thanked jrslick (North Central Kansas, Zone 5B)
Related Stories
FURNITUREMeet the Quick-Change Artists of Interior Design
Are you missing a great little stool, ottoman or bench? Just look at the ways they can adapt to what you need now
Full Story
LIFE6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs
Snow and dark days dampening your spirits? These ideas will have you looking on the bright side
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDES6 Plants That Beat Butterfly Bush for the Wildlife Draw
It's invasive, a nonnative and a poor insect magnet. Check out these better alternatives to butterfly bush in the garden
Full Story
EDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops
This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer
Full Story
FEEL-GOOD HOME10 Tips for a More Peaceful Home
Turn your everyday living space into a serene retreat by clearing visual distractions, softening your lighting and more
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDES6 Steps to Creating Your Butterfly Garden
Encourage these fanciful winged beauties to visit your garden while helping restore their fragmented habitat
Full Story
HOUSEKEEPINGTo-Dos: Your September Home Checklist
Boost the comforts of home for fall with a few of these ideas for stocking up and staying cozy
Full Story
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGBid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good
Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESLessons in Living Comfortably: Embrace the Scratches and Dents
When you celebrate wear and tear, you send a message that your home is designed for relaxation
Full Story
HOUSEPLANTS10 Top Plants to Grow Indoors
Brighten a room and clean the air with a houseplant that cascades artfully, stretches toward the ceiling or looks great on a wall
Full Story
Humsi