How do I protect Brussels sprouts from pests?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Protect Brussels sprouts. The most effective way to protect Brussels sprouts is with a barrier. Pests like cabbage worms attack the hours before harvest. Hopefully, you have seeded and planted the right variety in the right area to minimise the risk. Common culprits for Brussels sprouts are: cabbage worms aphids plants (slugs) root maggots There are other physical options for controls with sprays and beneficial insects.
Physical barriers guard plants from flying insects. Place a 0.5mm insect mesh immediately after transplanting your seedlings. Bury the edges with a little soil or place weights over them to create a complete enclosure around the plant. This is particularly useful for preventing cabbage butterflies from laying their eggs. For slugs, create rings of diatomaceous earth around each seedling's planting location, and reapply after rainfall.
Spray Solutions
- Neem oil: Mix 2tbsp/gallon, apply weekly
- Insecticidal soap: Spray undersides of leaves
- Garlic spray: Deters aphids when used biweekly
Biological Controls
- Release ladybugs at dusk for aphids
- Apply beneficial nematodes for root maggots
- Install lacewing habitats near garden beds
Cultural Practices
- Remove plant debris weekly
- Rotate brassica crops annually
- Use floating row covers season-long
Companion planting bolsters your pest control system. Grow strong-scented herbs (such as thyme) in between your rows of sprouts. The aroma of these tasting herbs disguises the scent of the Brussels sprouts, confusing the pests, or plant nasturtiums to attract aphids away from your other crops. And marigolds help repel nematodes.
Regular monitoring catches problems in the bud. Check your plants every three days. Look for eggs under leaves. Check for clusters of aphids on stems. Set beer traps for slugs at night. Keep records so that you can foresee what will appear where in your garden at what time next year.
Implement a combination of layered protection. Apply mesh barriers and neem sprays on a weekly schedule. Incorporate ladybugs while keeping existing companion plants in place. This method creates multiple lines of defense. Successful layered protection can result in healthy plants while still being compliant with organic standards.
Preventive: The last option to deter it from invading your garden. Clean up old leaves, straw, plants, and anything else that the pest might use to overwinter. Rotate what you plant every year. A healthy soil grows a healthy plant that resists being eaten. Practices like these create a little ecosystem that will continue to grow healthy plants into the future.
Read the full article: How to Grow Brussels Sprouts Perfectly
