reluctant killer

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 07 Aug 2014, 12:48

Having lost almost all the sprouts and a lot of kale last year I've bought some spray.

The instructions say to spray 'at the first sign of infestation'. I've found some eggs on leaves outside of the netting. Do I spray now? OH says wait for caterpillars.

lancashire lass · Post by **lancashire lass** » 07 Aug 2014, 13:56

Please can you give details of the spray - what is it called? There are some sprays to prevent infestation, and there are some that kill on site but the spray you have, might not do both - if you sprayed the eggs, then when they hatch out the effectiveness of the spray might be lost due to weathering. Most pesticides for fruit and veg are usually only sprayed on once,or twice at the most, during a season.

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 07 Aug 2014, 14:34

Thank you Lancashire Lass. I'll have a look at the spray next time I'm outside. I picked veg for dinner, just now, and found a caterpillar so the question might now be academic.

elliebear15 · Post by **elliebear15** » 09 Aug 2014, 11:47

You could always not bother with the spray, check that the caterpillars are edible, and add them to your dinner. Celebrity jungle style.
Although I am not sure if I could bring myself to eat them.
Ellie x

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 14 Aug 2014, 13:55

Thanks for that, Ellie. Found a creepy crawly in the salad last evening and it put me completely off dinner!

We consulted that garden centre about the spray and treated the brassicas last week. I find the occasional clump of yellow eggs now, but tend to rip that bit of leaf off. The problem is limited enough that I think I can keep on top of it.