Cabbage root flies, which are pretty much identical to houseflies in appearance, lay tiny white eggs on the soil surface near the stems of cabbage family plants. There are two generations each year – in late spring and early to midsummer – and sometimes a third generation follows in late summer or early autumn. Summer cabbages come in various shapes and sizes and can be sown from late winter to mid-spring, with harvest in mid-to-late summer. They are bred to withstand the summer heat. Stop cabbage root flies laying eggs by placing collars over the base of your young plants at planting time. This barrier method often proves more effective than chemicals and is ideal for organic growers reluctant to use chemical products on their harvests. Fill your pots or seed modules with compost and make two 1.5cm deep holes in each pot / module compartment. Don't firm down the compost. Cabbage collars are not foolproof. Strong winds or growing stems can dislodge them, they can become buried in the soil when hoeing around the plants and, of course, cardboard collars will inevitably rot down – but they are worth a try! If care is taken to keep them in place they will help suppress weeds and keep the roots cool and moist too. Cardboard cabbage collars are simple to make and use Other Ways to Prevent Cabbage Root Maggots

I try really hard to attract wildlife to my allotment. I grow flowers and wildflowers to attract beneficial insects to my plot over the year, I feed the birds and have bird boxes, I have two ponds to attract frogs to eat the slugs, I garden organically and I have bug boxes and two hedgehog boxes. Fabric roll tube– after a roll of fabric is used up, the leftover cardboard cylinder will give you enough material for many plant collars. You might be able to find this item from an upholstery shop, a fabric supply store, or a craft store (such as JoAnn’s, Michael’s, etc.)

Before planting, remove any weeds and ensure the soil is compact by shuffling across the surface on your heels. Finally, level the soil with a rake, creating a fine, crumbly texture suitable for sowing or planting. Sowing Cabbage

Note: if you combine cardboard with another material, you can make your plant collars a bit more sturdy so they will last longer. Starting at the center point, use the box cutter to cut four 1- to 2-inch lines that radiate out from the center point. Try to space them equally. Step 4 To ensure a successful cabbage harvest, timing is crucial. The best time to sow cabbage seeds outdoors depends on the type of cabbage you wish to grow. For summer cabbages, sow seeds from late February to early May, but be sure to protect early sowings with cloches or fleece. For autumn and winter cabbages, sow seeds in April or May, and for spring cabbages, sow seeds in July or August. Brassica Collars offer a simple solution to stop the cabbage root fly, a notorious allotment pest that can cause serious damage to your brassica crops including broccoli, cabbages, cauliflowers, calabrese and brussels sprouts. Make a hole in the soil slightly deeper than the plant rootball and place the plant in it. Firm down the soil around the rootball,Autumn cabbages often form large heads and require wider spacing. They can be sown in mid-spring and harvested before winter. Some varieties can be stored for use in winter. I am really upset that the animal may have hurt it’s leg somehow on my wire cage, though I just don’t know how it could have done this. Yesterday, I made sure there are absolutely no holes under, or in-between the cages, in the hope that this doesn’t happen again.

Keep all cabbages well watered, but not water logged, during dry periods. Keep the beds weeded to stop weeds taking up nutrients and water. CABBAGE PESTS AND DISEASES To ensure that your cabbage seedlings and young plants thrive, it’s essential to keep them weed-free. Regularly hoeing the soil around them will help prevent weeds from competing for vital resources such as light, water, and nutrients. By doing so, you can give your cabbage the best chance to grow into healthy, robust plants. Protecting cabbage Mulch during the growing season to encourage grub-hungry beetles. Try spreading a layer of wood ash or diatomaceous earth around the stems to deter the flies from laying their eggs. For plants that you suspect are already affected, pile compost around the stems. The plants will sprout new roots into the compost, which may give them just enough energy to keep going despite the initial damage. The RHS-endorsed range includes mesh for crop protection, fleeces for general garden use, cabbage collars, a plug plant trainer and insect traps.To assist in moisture retention and weed control, it is recommended to apply a generous layer of mulch around cabbage plants. Opt for well-rotted manure or garden compost as they are effective choices. Feeding