As a new gardener, I was thrilled when I had a group of beautiful and perfectly formed cabbage heads growing and approaching harvest. I was so proud. Then I went away for 3 days. When I returned, the leaves were full of holes and the plants were covered in slimy spots. My cabbage was no longer perfect and I was concerned that it wasn't edible. Honestly, the mysterious damage caused me to lose my appetite.
I immediately turned to my gardening mentors on the internet and they informed me that I had severe insect damage. Some folks called them cabbage worms and some folks called them cabbage moths. The slimey black dots were the droppings. I did wonder which it was... the worms or the moths. Turns out, it was both. The life cycle of this destructive thing includes moth and worm.
The moths are white. The type I recall seeing since childhood in pastures and gathered on the edge of mud puddles. The worms are green... almost the color of my cabbage and very difficult to see. Once I knew what to look for I found that I did have a severe (and sudden) infestation.
Some friends stated they use insecticides that most consider to be chemicals. Others stated they use an oil in order to remain organic. I opted for Captain Jack's Bt spray as it is advertised as organic. And I ordered the chemical powder as a back-up because I didn't trust that something organic, after this much damage, would take care of the problem.
One heavy spray of Captain Jack's Bt took care of the worms and the moths!
Ultimately, I was disgusted by the amount of droppings I had observed on the cabbage so I didn't end up eating any myself. But the chickens loved the heads of cabbage for snacks.
Captain Jack's Bt Organic Spray
Please do your own research. I am a very new gardener. So I am only passing along what I have been told and what I observed. I do not feel that I can personally confirm that Captain Jack's Bt is fully organic. But it was so strongly recommended as an organic treatment that I feel I must share the information.
The active ingredient of Captain Jack's Bt is "bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis". This is a naturally occuring bacteria in the soil. When eaten by certain insects, it damages the gut health of the insect and kills the insect.
When you spray the Captain Jack's Bt on the cabbage, the moths and the worms ingest it. I found that this works very quickly (a matter of days) and my cabbage moth/worm problem was solved.
It is reported that bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) does not harm beneficial insects as the normal chemcial balances in their guts are not impacted by the Bt. Same with humans.
Captain Jack's Bt is useful for the following insects:
- cabbage looper
- hornworms
- tent caterpillar
- gypsy moth
- bagworm
- and many more
In addition to cabbage plants, it is useful for the following:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- kale
- mustard greens
- eggplant
- pepper
- melons
- tomatoes
- shade trees
- ornamentals
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or as new as I am, you may find that Captain Jack's Bt is a great choice for you. I know I'll be ready next year and treat my cabbage before I lose all of those beautiful heads to pests.
Sounds like you are learning as you go...good for you. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteMy first question as I was reading is if Captain Jack's Bt could be used on tomatoes! I see you have already answered me. Thank you! We have a lot of backyard gardeners around us and my own son-in-law works hard to maintain his garden. I will send the link to your review to him since I know he will appreciate the recommendation for an organic treatment. Like you, I would be disgusted by the droppings, but I suspect we would both become immune to their looks, and the knowledge of what they are, as seasoned farmers. Glad the little chickens got a special treat they could enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found a "cure" for your pest problem. It is disheartening when this happens in the garden so I'm glad to know you'll be ready the next time. Good advice for anyone who has a bug infestation happening. Thanks Dawn Rae!
ReplyDeleteAs Sylvestermouse said, glad to hear that this product can be used on tomatoes. I tried container gardening on my new apartment patio this season for both Big Boy tomatoes and Cherry tomatoes and did have a few pest problems. I will definitely be looking at Captain Jack's BT spray for next spring.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am glad to hear that this organic pest treatment works on tomatoes! Although currently the only food I’m growing is Hamama microgreens seed quilts (indoors), I have been tempted to try growing tomatoes. I appreciate your recommendation!
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to growing food, I know very little - this is certainly helpful as a heads up of what's happening to the cabbage - handy to know of this product
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to hear that you found a solution for your crop and you can be ready for it next time. It is so disheartening when this kind of thing happens. I garden organically and always seemed to get issues with brassicas, so now I prefer to grow other veg. If I was going to grow cabbages and other brassicas again I think I would try covering methods and an organic solution like the one you found. Thank you for sharing your experience and making me aware of Captain Jack's BT.
ReplyDelete