On our site we have a healthy and fast expanding population of wood pigeons which sit on the telegraph wires watching as we plant our brassicas and no doubt crossing their wings in the hope that we will leave our newly planted specimens uncovered.

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Over the years we have tried various methods.

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At first we covered with butterfly netting supported by various styles of wooden framework. The netting gave good protection against birds and butterflies but smaller insects could still gain access. We still had whitefly infestations which especially spoiled plants such as broccoli and kale. The wooden frameworks sere either time consuming to construct or were less than effective. Some arrangements also impeded access when weeding or harvesting and netting would get caught up on any rough edges.

Our latest preferred method is to cut pieces of plastic piping which are used to form a tunnel arrangement. Canes a pieces of wood are attached to provide a bit of stability to stand up to the strong winds that whip across the site. Then the whole structure is draped with enviromesh

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This proves completely effective in protecting from pigeons but a persistent butterfly can somehow still find its way under the covers and whitefly can also gain access - maybe when the mesh is rolled back to gain access when harvesting but the insect problem is greatly reduced. We just mustn't become complacent and remember to check for any signs that our defences have been breeched.

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Unfortunately covering our plants does nothing to prevent hungry slugs and snails from making a meal of our tasty greens. Oh well we can't win them all, can we.