Brassicas

[EleanorParticipant]

Think it definitely is rabbits. The holes are about an inch to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Sounds like it might be a rabbit burrow in the bed! Oh my. I have just been on the allotment. Dug out the holes a little and put stones in them and a brick in one, but doubt if this will deter them. We had an allotment cat last year who love eating baby bunnies but no sign of her this year so far.

Any suggestions for rabbit deterrents greatly appreciated. I do have a fence with mesh dug in 1 foot and half deep, but they can still get in the back fence near the road, I think and that is not replaceable.

[EleanorParticipant]

Thanks Charles. Yes –pretty sure they are rabbits. Hole about 1 -1/12 inches in diameter.

We had thought we had rabbit proofed (mesh fence down about a foot into the ground) but seems like they have got in all the same. Any ideas about rabbit control?

We had a good allotment cat who liked eating baby bunnies, but no sign of her this year.

[EleanorParticipant]

Dear Charles. Would really appreciate any advice about what to do about rabbits. What will deter them when one seems to have a burrow beneath the plot eg various holes all over? Is there any action that will help get rid of them once you have them???

[charlesModerator]

Sorry to hear this Eleanor, if there is one fence you cannot rabbit proof, that is tricky to say the least. I shall ask the gardeners on my course this weekend if anyone has ideas.
Can you post a photo of the holes?

[EleanorParticipant]

Hi Charles.

I have been a long time replying, I’m afraid, but now do have pictures of the holes but no idea how to upload them on this post?

Did anyone on your course have any idea about rabbit deterrents?

Eleanor

[charlesModerator]

Should love to see the pics Eleanor but you need to post them to an image server then link in using an image button – see the post on New plot with hard pan. Sorry its to prevent spam postings.

[BrendaParticipant]

Sorry to have gone quiet for so long – busy trying to keep up with the garden!
Update on gall midge problem – last year a few plants did’nt recover and died. Red Russian Kale looked dreadful all summer, hardly put on any growth, just ticked over, but in Autumn and again in Spring this year produced good new leaves.
Devonstew’s discovery – eggs laid late May – mid June, very helpful.
I have been late this year with sowing/planting out brassicas, I still have them in a seed bed covered with extra fine enviromesh and that has protected them so far.
Just thinking I must plant them to final spacing and was considering buying lg. qty. of extra fine mesh – but v. expensive for 3 beds 4ft x 16ft, allowing for the eventual height aswell! This time last year I did cover all brassicas with fleece, but this is a windswept site on the Mendip Hills and the fleece was easily damaged. Although more expensve, mesh is obviously stronger and long lasting. I have wider-spaced mesh (which does’nt keep out the midge) which I’ve had for about 12 years- so maybe good value afterall. Keeping them in a seedbed beneath ex. fine mesh during late May/mid June may be the answer.
I take Bluebell’s point – we could end up wanting to cover the whole garden with a cage!
Then there’s my basils – in a polytunnel – which seem to be suffering from a similar problem ……….
better talk about that another time, this email is getting too long .

[Author]

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