We Have a Winner

On the attack. The cabbage whites have won this time

I’ve lost the battle with cabbage whites.   

There comes a time when you just have to stand down and  admit defeat. This week’s burst of hot weather produced so many caterpillars that I could see the plants moving as they set about devouring every last piece of leaf of the kale and broccoli and leaving me with bare stalks. 

This isn’t just inside the tunnel either; outside plants have suffered the same fate.  Things were so bad in the tunnel that people couldn’t go in without commenting about the smell of rotting plants. This phenomenon came about because of the poo deposits being left by so many caterpillars; it was all dropping on the floor and decomposing.  

Itchy

As I pulled up most of the plants I was getting attacked by the crawling swarm, well I say attacked, I really mean they were falling down the back of my neck and landing on my arms( I am really itching now just talking about it!)  I will save some of the plants that didn’t come off so badly, but the ones in the tunnel are beyond any form of a comeback.

In a moment of panic I went online to see about getting a smoke bomb to fumigate the tunnel.  I’ve only ever used these as a youngster when my friends and I would have telephone box crams. After we found out how many of us we could fit inside the box (the record was 10) we would ignite one of the fumigation tablets and hide and laugh as we observed the reactions of passersby.  

As an adult, a couple of points come up from me now. Firstly the telephone box could have been needed for people needing the emergency services and secondly you can bet your bottom dollar that fumigation in the 1970’s probably contained DDT or some other lethal chemical. Ignorance can be bliss, but not in this case I fear.  

A Bit of Research

The smoke bombs I found on the internet were cheap enough at about 5 euro for two and the packets claim that no harmful (to human) chemicals are used.

As with most things though I decided to do a bit of research and find out which type are the best.  One comment on a forum forced my decision; someone commented that the best form of pest control is the winter and frost.  They are right. All I need to do is bide my time and revenge will be mine. Any other pupae that survive will get the finger and thumb treatment.  I was also thinking that the smoke probably wouldn’t kill off soil borne pests either, so the 5 euro remains in my pocket as I wait for the cold sharp hand of frosty death to creep into the tunnel.

I’m in the Shops!

I’ve gone retail again!  It’s been a long time since I sold plants, but my fantastic handmade terracotta pots from Carley’s Bridge Potteries in County Wexford have inspired me.  I have been planting the pots up with some choice houseplants and decided to go down the “health and vitality” route and chosen aloe vera and ginseng plants. 

I have chosen these two long lived plants as they don’t require much root space and can withstand a bit of neglect and radiator heat.  The plants and pots should give pleasure for at least a year before the plants need a bit of extra space.  I currently have one outlet at the Legenderry Warehouse No1 in the centre of Derry next to the Guildhall square, but you never know they could be in a shop near you very soon. 

On the Lookout

I am on the lookout for some seasonal plants that are long lived to go into the pots as well. I have seen some succulents sprayed autumn colours to pander to the Halloween shoppers and it won’t be long until the Christmas stock is upon us.  I don’t want to put anything cheap looking into these lovely pots and I would like them to be long lived again too.  I thought of poinsettia but these plants very rarely make it past the New Year. It seems strange to be thinking that far ahead to Christmas, but after saying that I have seen a lot of decorations in the shops already!

How about dwarf conifers with a sprinkling of white powder on them? OK, I’ll stop there

PS. I’ve just found out why I am so itchy.  3 caterpillars down my shirt!