Help -sprouts are being eaten

[Firefoot]

I have been growing sprouts for the first time and they have been doing great, but now they are being eaten and the lower leaves are turning yellow.

I've tried a generic bug killer but it only worked for a few days and then the bugs came back. It says to only use it once every 12 months on brassicas so what do I do now?

Is there a product that can be used regularly to keep the bugs at bay?

I have aphids on there and have also seen tiny little caterpillar type things.

[Mr GrimNasty]

You need to identify the pest before solving it - but the usual is cabbage white caterpillars (and others). Best to completely net the plants with a very fine mesh held away from the plants (they are right little Houdinis and can get through very small mesh). Also stops pigeons having a go. Inspect all the leaves regularly and crush any clusters of tiny yellow eggs usually underneath the leaves. Squash/remove any caterpillars - they get right down into the heart as well as lying along leaf stems and some are so well camouflaged as to be near invisible. There really is no substitute to daily inspections. You can dust with derris powder. It's quite normal for the lower leaves to gradually die off up the plant, they should be removed and not left to rot. Aphids should respond well to the usual attack programs hosepipe/soapy spray/chemicals, but the plants will probably tolerate them anyway until the natural predators build up or they move onto something else/die/hibernate.

Edited by Mr GrimNasty on Tuesday 2nd August 23:37

[Firefoot]

Thanks, I will get some Derris then and get squishing the little blighters

My grandad used to make it look so easy on his allotment, but I do remember lots of squishing going on, especially with caterpillars.

[Firefoot]

Hmm, it seems Derris is now illegal. Any recommendations for which of the other treatments are best.

I have also been squishing, spraying with soapy water and have got a fine mesh to cover them with. On a plus note, I have seen ladybirds in garden for first time, so I guess they will now be eating the bugs as well.

[Mr GrimNasty]

Illegal? Well I'll be ********. I've got secret reserves LOL. No you can't have it! It's a shame it really is good, it appears they just couldn't be bothered with the costs of all the tests they'd have to do to make it 'safe' - thanks EU.

I don't know what else to suggest other than a trip to a gardening centre to see what's available. Net & squidge is the best option anyway.

[66comanche]

I had this a few years back, all brassicas being absolutely mullered - looked like they'd been blasted with a shotgun! I decided discretion was the better part of valour and gave up, know a few people who have no issues at all so seems you can just be location-unlucky with persistent, hungry Cabbage White's!

[dickymint]

Just a thought - considering sprouts don't mind a frost but caterpillars hate it. How about blasting them with a can of "pipe freezer"?