I get worms on my broccolli. I take it into the kitchen and clean and clean and clean the flowerettes and then another worm turns up. It is hard to enjoy it when I am always wondering if I am about to chew into a green worm...gag me.
I am hoping some one here has a reasonably organic way to keep them off.
Thanks,
Helen
worms - help
Soak your broccoli in cold salted water, it will kill the caterpillars - if I remember correctly, the caterpillars will float away from the broccoli after the salt treatment, so you don't have to worry about eating them.
If you have children, buy them a butterfly net and give them a coin for every white cabbage butterfly they catch - dead or alive!
You can use BT on the broccoli. It is an organic insecticide & only kills the worms. It don't hurt lady bugs, bees or butterflies. Ask at your local garden center.
Bernie
Bacillus Thurigiensis aka BT Worm Killer, Dipel Dust, etc. It has many names.
It is a completely organic, naturally occurring bacteria which gives the caterpillars a terminal case of indigestion. ;)
I prefer the liquid concentrate. It's easier to apply IMO. But some people like the dust and there are special applicators for the dust.
Thank you. I appreciate your input.
Do you put the BT on the broc during the growing season? Once or at intervals?
Also, the salt water treatment - how long do you need to soak the broc?
Helen
You put it on while it's growing.Need to apply it often. For sure after a rain. No worry about waiting to eat the broccoli, it won't hurt you.
Next season you can create a barrier between the broccoli and the egg-laying butterfly by using row covers.
And plant a big patch of dill nearby too, to attract beneficial bugs.
I normally soak my broccoli in salt water for about 5 to 10 minutes. The worms will fall off into the water and die. I've done this with cabbage too. Sometimes life gets so hectic I just can't get out after a rain to treat the veggies. I do plant dill in my garden too--anything to help in the fight against the bugs that like to dine on my veggies!
Naturelover what do you "treat" with?
Bacillus (BT)
Helen, I see NaturLover has answered the question regarding how long to soak to kill the caterpillars - which is a good thing, because my mom always did this, and I didn't pay attention as to how long it took, although I knew it was not long, 'cause she would cut the cabbage, soak it, then cook it for dinner. We didn't have broccoli in England when I was growing up, but now that I'm here, it's my favorite vegetable.
You can clean "greens" in a salt water bath, too. Use enough salt in the water to float an egg. Guaranteed to float ANYTHING that was alive on your leaves! Snip leaves, swish in salt brine, hit the undersides with a fast hose, and use a second tub to do a final rinse. Only takes about 15 minutes to clean an entire batch of fresh mustards and collards. (Best done outside in the yard).