Natural pest control for white butterfly / caterpillarReader submitted

What natural pest controls are there for white butterfly / caterpillar? I love broccoli, caulifllower and cabbage but have all but given up trying to grow them – every year they just get demolished by the little blighters! I've tried deris dust but if I miss a single square mm they manage to find it. I always forget to re-apply which is another issue! I've tried making a garlic spray as well but didn't have much joy.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

06/11/2012  7:50 am by Milotech

Hi, I cover my cauli, broccoli, cabbages etc with old net curtains to keep the white butterflies out. Seems to do the trick. ;)

 

06/11/2012  7:26 pm by curlymoo

Aha!! That’s a brilliant idea – would frost cloth do the same thing?

 

10/11/2012  8:12 am by Milotech

I suppose it would, although it might be a bit thick to use for summer? It may restrict airflow and make it too hot for the plants? I find the more open 'weave' of the net curtains keeps things circulating without letting the butterflies in. Frost cloth may not let rain through? Just thoughts, though, as I've never used frost cloth! Good luck!

 

12/11/2012  7:56 am by ecotreecare

Just use a spray to kill them off.

 

24/11/2012  9:06 am by margs

Hi. I just purchased a windbreak covered cloche from M10 which I have just put over my cabbages and broccoli. Hopefully it should do the trick. They also had the plastic covered one which I intend to get to extend my growing season. I have raised gardens and no glass house. Good luck.