LindaB wrote:
Hi There,

There is a useful planting guide at

http://www.edenseeds.com.au/content/planting.asp

We're only a few kilometres from Melbourne, and have similar
conditions (although I can even think of a bit of vaiation in
Melbourne).

We are basically putting in Broad Beans, Peas, Snow Peas, Carrots and
Onions. It is usually the time for cabbage, cauli and broccoli, but I
don't like them, as they always seem to get aphids.
Try the usual, that is the all natural Dipel.
Here are the instructions for successfully growing these.

"There are many types of caterpillars which are usually the larval
(caterpillar of a grub) stage of moths such as cabbage moth (Plutella
xylostella)and small cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae). Cabbage
white butterfly is white with distinct black spots on the wings and is
around 40mm across. The cabbage moth is greyish and small and is around
10mm across. The moths and butterflies lay their eggs on the underside
of leaves. The larvae of caterpillars hatch from the eggs and then feed
on the leaves or fruit, so it’s the caterpillar of the cabbage white
butterfly or cabbage moth which does the damage. The blue-green smooth
textured caterpillar is that of the cabbage white butterfly, while the
caterpillar which is green-brown is that of the cabbage moth. They both
start eating the outer leaves before moving to the inner heart of the
cabbage. It is a good idea to try and either pick off the caterpillars
or spray them when they are still on the outside of the leaf, before
they tunnel into the heart. Plants favoured by cabbage moth and cabbage
white butterfly include cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Chinese
cabbage, celery, beetroot, rocket and watercress."

The "aphids" I reckon would be the caterpillar eggs hatching...
No problems growing any if a regular "warmer days" spraying of Dipel is
done, or whenever you see any white cabbage moths flying around. Theyre
the menace.
BTW you will usually not see them till its too late, so spraying, while
it may seem to be distatefull is the only way
Buy seedlings at the local market or nursery now, as seeds may not take
in time for winter, unless youre very lucky.


Of them, probably snow peas are the easist - just make a tripod of
three garden stakes tied together, and they go happily up with the
help of a few bits of string. Or get a bit of light wire trellis and
put it up with a few garden stakes.

There is nothing in this world better than eating fresh snow peas
straight off the vine.

Cheers

LindaB

On Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:54:00 +1000, "YMC"
wrote:

Any suggestions?