My Cole crops have been decimated. They had been looking SO good, flourishing. Just before I was due to leave town for 4 days I noticed some caterpillars on them. I killed all I could find, then put a row cover on them. Upon returning I discovered all I had done was seal the burgers in, protecting them from predators! Here are the skeletonized plants:













Any ideas about what I can do? I have identified the culprit; it is Cross-striped Cabbage worm larvae. There were a smattering of cabbageloupers too, but hardly any. I am squashing any caterpillars I find, I am watering regularly (drought conditions in the NE). Should I give them a weak dose of liquid fertilizer? Or should I just pull the plants?

If its just caterpillars, the plants will releaf... A lot Quicker than if you started new ones from seed.

At my house, the army worms are busily chomping on stuff... I'm not too worried, songbirds like caterpillars.

Thanks Stone. I am going to get some Bt today & try that. I was heart sick to see my lovely broccoli & brussels sprouts so demolished. This occurred at the community garden plot. Some bok choi back at my house had the same caterpillers. They seem to be moving into our area. I think I will not grow cole crops next year.

Dont be discouraged to grow cole again. Bt takes care of them wormies quick. Just keep lookout for more damage and spray again when needed. I only use 1 Tbl. Bt to gallon water + 1 Tbl. Dawn liquid soap.
Soap gives dual action. It takes care of aphid . white flies and more.
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