I've had a tough time growing brassicas. Every time, without fail, they seem to attract pests, especially when the weather gets cooler. It feels like I'm always fighting a losing battle! I'm curious, how did people manage to grow these crops before the invention of pesticides? I'm wondering if our efforts to breed them to taste better might have made them less resistant to pests.
3 Answers
You're definitely not alone in this! Brassicas are super tasty, which is why pests love them too. Keeping them pest-free can be tricky, especially in cooler weather. A lot of gardeners swear by creating protective barriers or using insect mesh right from the start to keep those critters at bay.
One effective trick I've learned is to cover your brassicas with insect mesh as soon as you plant them. You can get a good piece for around $18 from stores like Amazon or Home Depot. It’s a simple way to keep bugs away without having to spray chemicals.
Using hoops made from sticks or buying lightweight fiberglass tent poles to support the mesh can make it easier to cover your plants. Just lay it over and secure it, and you’ll see a surprising difference!