Have you ever struggled with pests decimating your broccoli, cabbage, or other brassicas? You’re not alone! Every spring and fall, when these crops go in the ground, they become fair game for one of the most voracious pests in the garden—the cabbage moth and cabbage butterfly and their hungry larvae. Brassicas are host plants for the cabbage moth and cabbage butterfly which means it’s the only place they will lay their eggs.
In a recent survey of my newsletter audience, one reader shared her frustration with brassica-loving pests. She asked, “What can I do to protect my broccoli, cabbage, and other brassicas from being eaten up?” It’s simple: insect netting.
What are Brassicas?
Brassicas are a family of plants that includes many popular vegetables such as:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
Common Brassica Pests:
Unfortunately, brassicas are a favorite meal for several pests. Here are some of the most common ones.
- Cabbage Moths and Cabbage Butterflies: These are two different pests but they ruin your plants by laying their eggs on the leaves of your plants. The cabbage moth’s eggs will hatch as little green worms called “cabbage loopers” and the cabbage butterfly’s will hatch out as a caterpillar. Both can defoliate your plants in days. It will start as small holes and progress to to the whole plant being destroyed.

Cabbage Moth

Cabbage Butterfly
Flea beetles: These tiny beetles jump around and chew small holes in leaves. They are tiny and brown and look like fleas. Insect netting will also protect your plants, you will need to choose a very fine mesh.
How Insect Netting Can Help:
Insect netting is a physical barrier that prevents pests from reaching your brassicas. It’s a simple solution that can significantly prevent or reduce damage. No need for pesticides!
Tips for Using Insect Netting:
- Choose the right size: Ensure your netting is large enough to cover your plants without touching them.
- Secure the netting: Use stakes or hoops to hold the netting in place.
- Allow for air circulation: Avoid creating a stuffy environment that can promote disease.
- Monitor for pests: Check your plants regularly for signs of pests, even if you’re using netting.
When purchasing your netting look at the size of the mesh.
- 0.8mm mesh: Ideal for blocking even the smallest insects, like aphids, while still allowing sunlight, air, and water to pass through.
- 1.35mm mesh: A slightly larger option that still keeps out larger pests like cabbage worms and flea beetles, and is less prone to clogging with dust or debris.
Smaller mesh sizes can limit airflow and light, while larger sizes may allow tiny pests through, so 0.8mm to 1.35mm strikes the right balance for protecting brassicas.
How to use the netting:
Gather Your Materials:
- Insect netting (0.8mm to 1.35mm recommended)
- Garden hoops or supports (bamboo stakes, PVC, or wire hoops)
- Clips, clamps, or garden staples ( also called landscape staples) that can be purchased from your local home improvement store.
- Scissors (to cut the netting to size)
- Rocks, bricks, or weights ( for extra security)
Measure and Cut the Netting:
- Measure the area: Ensure the netting will cover the entire bed or rows of your brassicas, including enough excess on the sides to secure it properly.
- Cut to size: Leave a bit of extra material on all sides to tuck or clip the netting down securely.
Set Up Hoops or Supports:
- Place garden hoops or supports every 3-4 feet along your garden bed or row.
- Tip: The hoops should be tall enough to allow the plants to grow without touching the netting, preventing pests from landing on the plants.
- You can use pre-made hoops, flexible PVC pipes, or even bamboo stakes bent into an arc.
Drape the Netting:
- Lay the netting over the hoops so that it covers the entire planting area.
- Ensure the netting reaches the ground on all sides, leaving no gaps where pests can enter.
Secure the Edges:
- Clip the netting to the hoops using garden clips, clamps, or clothespins.
- Alternatively, use garden staples or pegs to pin the netting to the ground.
- For additional security, you can weigh down the edges with rocks, bricks, or soil to prevent pests from crawling underneath.
Monitor and Maintain:
- Regularly check that the netting is intact and free of tears or holes.
- Ensure it is not too tight on the plants, allowing for proper growth, airflow, and sunlight.
- Make sure the netting is securely fastened, especially after windy days or heavy rain.
Tips for Success:
- Install the netting early: Ideally, place the netting right after planting or transplanting your brassicas.
- Access for weeding and watering: If you need to tend to the plants, unclipping the netting on one side will allow easy access while keeping pests out.
By following these steps, you will be able to easily protect your broccoli and other brassicas. The products I have listed below are what I have purchased and used.
Save your insect netting for the summer vegetables and cover your squash plants until they bloom to keep the squash vine borer away.
Happy Gardening,
Karen
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