Cabbage collars

[chaos]

Hi, I've never grown brassicas before,but picked up 6 broccoli seedlings a few weeks ago from a local allotment sale. I have since discovered that to protect them from cabbage root fly, it's advisable to put 'collars' around the base of the stem. I recently read that most of those for sale are made from whale hide which I naturally won't to buy. I know one can use carpet underlay too, but what kind? The oldfashioned felt type or would the newer foam one's be ok for the purpose? I guess the old type would hopefully be biodegradeable.
Does anybody have experience or suggestions?

[anyoldwood]

You can use any old carpet, l am currently using old bits of cardboard. cut a circle out, make a slit and slid over the stem, seems to be working, and no cost. Good luck.

Originally Posted by chaos

Hi, I've never grown brassicas before,but picked up 6 broccoli seedlings a few weeks ago from a local allotment sale. I have since discovered that to protect them from cabbage root fly, it's advisable to put 'collars' around the base of the stem. I recently read that most of those for sale are made from whale hide which I naturally won't to buy. I know one can use carpet underlay too, but what kind? The oldfashioned felt type or would the newer foam one's be ok for the purpose? I guess the old type would hopefully be biodegradeable.
Does anybody have experience or suggestions?

[chaos]

Thankyou anyoldwood,

I was thinking of trying carpet- I couldn't think of any reason why it couldn't be used. I'll give it a go.

Strange that everybody online seemed to suggest underlay for some reason.

Chaos