FAST CROPS TROUBLESHOOTER

QA

The butterflies might be pretty, but their caterpillars will completely strip a brassica plant. If you grow small numbers of vegetables, you might get by with diligent squishing of eggs and picking off caterpillars. For larger beds, cover plants with insect mesh, held above the plants so butterflies can’t lay eggs through the cover. You can also buy a nematode biological control, such as Nemasys (£7.99 for 60 sq/m).

QA How can I control cabbage white butterflies? Why are seedlings only germinating in patches?

Fresh seeds will give better germination results, so check the packet date. If seeds are allowed to dry out after sowing then germination becomes erratic so keep the soil evenly moist. Adding compost and watering deeply before sowing will help. Or, for plants that don’t mind transplanting, sow into modules under cover where it’s easier to control the environment.

QWhat’s eating beetroot leaves? A

Slugs and snails are a possibility when beetroot plants are small, but sparrows are the more likely culprits and can peck the foliage to lace. Cover plants with a fine mesh weighed down around the edges so birds can’t get trapped. Larger plants tend to be safe.

QWhy is pak choi running to flower?

A The appearance of a long stalk and flowers is a sign your pak choi has started to bolt, often as a reaction to stress, turning its energy away from producing leaves and towards flowers and seed instead. Try sowing pak choi and other leafy Oriental greens after midsummer, keeping the soil evenly moist and choosing a slow-to-bolt cultivar.