Mesh covers to protect vegetables , showing how and when to use them

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These long lasting covers let light and rain through, and keep pests out. Simply held down by stones and mostly 2m wide to cover any bed.
I show which vegetables are susceptible, and recommend getting to know which pests are likely so that you can deploy covers before damage happens!
Hoops are 4mm high tensile wire.
I have no commercial interest here, just want to help you grow more food. There are links to buy mesh and other covers here www.charlesdowding.co.uk/links/
Bacillus thuringiensis here www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1220096905...
Using covers, like most gardening jobs, is made far easier by a no dig approach, resulting in few weeds. Find out more with my online course charlesdowding.co.uk/product-...
Filmed in Somerset UK on 14th July by Edward Dowding, and edited by him.
Keep up with Homeacres no dig garden on IG charles_dowding, Twitter @charlesdowding or follow me on FB charlesdowding.

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23 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 508

@urbanfrog8466 Год назад

As a home gardener on an extremely limited income, I find it well worth the effort to extend the life of my mesh, fleece, and netting by repairing it. Once the first one you buy gets holes, it becomes the source of repair fodder for everything after that. Just cut a piece off, lay flat over the hole, do a quick running stitch around to hold it on. Doesn't have to be fabulous, you don't have to have any real sewing skills, doesn't even have to be matching colour thread. Saves a LOT of money though.

@CharlesDowding1nodig Год назад

Amazing advice, thankyou

@cherylnorise420 5 лет назад

I did find tulle netting for wedding dresses works well for me. 40 yds 54 wide was 12 dollars. That stopped all those dreadful white butterfly and worms from my brassica this year. But it didn't stop grubs. They were a lot easier to pull off and it was jus a few. So I now have broccoli and cabbage. First time ever. Thank you sir for your wonderful videos. Have an awesome week

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Brilliant recycling :)

@GodLovesYou5635 2 года назад

i just started using tulle also how do the insects get To the plant for pollination?

@cherylnorise420 2 года назад

@@GodLovesYou5635 wait to put on the tulle until they are pollinated.

@GodLovesYou5635 Год назад

@@cherylnorise420 yes

@rubygray7749 Год назад

@@GodLovesYou5635 Unless you are trying to save seed, you don't want your vegetables flowering.

@johnmorgan5495 4 года назад

Ive been gardening one way or another for 35 years and taking in tv/radio advice all that time but these videos are the most encouraging helpful and enjoyable pieces of advice I have ever come across, Thanks Charles

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Thanks John and I love that you find them enjoyable. Makes learning more effective and then results are better!

@chefinwood4706 4 года назад

You can use sticks simply pointing up with a bottle cap on top, so it doesn't cause damage, to raise the mesh. If your short on hoops.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Nice idea thanks William

@gauribahadurchhetri3988 3 года назад

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I

@lunadepana 3 года назад

...or small potting pots...

@rutbuster7 3 года назад

Thanks

@LGGGlove 3 года назад

Thx

@LeelaLu7 5 лет назад

Thank you so much from western Canada. I greatly appreciate that you do not ruin your videos with inane "music" like so many otherwise decent gardeners do!

@savedfaves 3 года назад

A gardener who does RU-vid videos as opposed to a RU-vidr who does gardening video ☺️

@silent-arrow-88-94 5 лет назад

I get so excited when a new video comes out. Love your content charles 👍🏻

@mattfinchdesign 5 лет назад

Thank you. I have been thinking about mesh and fleece recently, so perfect timing!

@carocaro1881 5 лет назад

Thanks to one of your earlier videos, I now have enough mesh for my needs and it has saved a number of crops in my garden.👍

@janeabeth1 3 года назад

Thanks for this great advice. I would never have thought about these covers prior to watching your videos and now I do use them, it’s made a world of difference 😊

@stephenlittle7534 5 лет назад

Love the look of the garden and those amazing lettuces. Yes.

@haileynorris4928 5 лет назад

I recently bought veggie mesh from garden naturally, I would highly recommend.

@FoziaSQazi 5 лет назад

After watching one of your earlier mesh videos I used it on strawberries to protect them from birds. Worked really well. Thank you for the tip!

@denisek5208 5 лет назад

Great advice👍 thank you for explaining the differences between the types of covers.

@milo6258 4 года назад

I enjoyed listening to your garden tips. It is great to see you actually delivered what you theoretically said in your videos. I learned a lot from it . Thanks for sharing.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Nice to hear Mi Lo

@janetbull2616 3 года назад

Another Great video yet again increasing my knowledge on different covering and the advantage of using them 👍

@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS 5 лет назад

Thanks Charles for another worth while watch. I don't have any white mesh but do have builders green mesh which works well or better sometimes. It comes from builders who use it to cover scaffold. After the jobs finished they thow it all in the skip to land fill. If I ever see the green mesh I skip rade it out.

@TheHappyHobbyist 2 года назад

Thank you from a first time gardener in Pennsylvania! Very helpful as I'm planning for the next season

@AtwoodKnives 4 года назад

They work so well. I've got them over lettuce beds now with small hoops and so far so good. Very helpful for keeping bugs off and supplies some shade.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Good to hear Peter

@lindacooper4893 4 года назад

Thank you so much for such a quick reply, I have a lot of it but I may have to buy a lower shade one otherwise the veggies may not grow, I will try it tomorrow 👍

@carlaw2661 3 года назад

This is my first year to be using the mesh. I sure hope we are as successful as you are with our garden. I appreciate your sharing this information. 😊💕

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Best of luck!

@patriciavincent5076 3 года назад

Basically everything you need to know about using row covers! Excellent. Thank you Charles.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

You're very welcome!

@jairiangrowyourfood6659 4 года назад

Thank you Charles for your expertise, I'm new into gardening and really loving it, your videos are certainly helping me a lot. I'm from Bristol and to be honest every time I need an advise I come and watch your videos. Great job.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Wonderful, grow well Jai

@1fanger888 5 лет назад

Hi Charles. Thanks for the tour.

@Meta-Drew 5 лет назад

This was my first year with a garden and I didn't know what insects go for what, or how bad the birds were gonna come for my stuff - so after watching some of your videos I got some mesh to cover my garden from the very start. I removed it after everything was pretty well established and haven't had too many problems - but the peace of mind at the beginning was invaluable.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Thanks, and that is encouraging for a first year.

@michalrafael513 5 лет назад

Very neat garden. Simply beautiful.

@marinahelsel4401 5 лет назад

I love how your garden is like a well oiled machine. You harvest potatoes one day and same day leeks are in. Filling in any bare spots on beds with other plants right away. This is genius and fantastic! I enjoy your videos greatly!

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Thankyou Marina

@jaspercaelan4998 17 дней назад

I always found mesh/netting annoying to take on and off but when I bunch it up at each end and pull it tight that makes it much easier and you get a nice tight edge along the sides. Using a standard size bed is also a good idea.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 16 дней назад

I now use a heavy stone on each corner to pull the edge tight

@SuperLovetolisten 5 лет назад

Thank you for addressing the caterpillar in the room, Charles. Although we have suffered defeat in the way of brassicas for three years straight, we’re going to keep on keeping on, head held high. There’s always tomorrow until there isn’t. Cheers!

@justann4599 5 лет назад

I so enjoy the info you present, Charles, and Edward composes it so nicely with the pictures and music, that I find myself watching it several times. Compost on top doesn't work in every season for us. Today, for example, in our zone 8A it is 100 deg F with 'strong' sun. The dark compost heats up quickly from the sun and the porous nature of the compost yields its moisture freely leaving very stressed plants - with hot surface roots. So, in the summer, we must resort to an additional covering to keep the soil cool. I have used woodchips, which works well. I understand that any attempt to cool the surface of the soil invites slugs so it is a trade off.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Thanks for your feedback Ann and I appreciate the difference in climate, would cover as you say in such heat although many beds have leaf cover from more mature plants.

@martyken4798 5 лет назад

Well, you've just answered all my rabbit questions! Thank you! Marty

@joyscott374 Год назад

I can always rely on you when i have a gardening question. Thank you

@CharlesDowding1nodig Год назад

Lovely!!

@MargaretWalkerCellist 3 года назад

I totally enjoy all these tips, Charles; the NW Arizona desert can be so harsh on delicate plants, I give up on lettuces, but love the kale and collard types because they're more hardy in the heat. Thank you.

@ProfMoose123 5 лет назад

Last year my entire crop of leeks were decimated by what I later found out was the Allium leaf mining fly... The leeks all looked beautiful and healthy, and then suddenly all started falling over and rotting, and inside them I found loads of small brown maggot pupae - so this year I'm using mesh and just hoping! (I live near Luton, UK) Another brilliant video! Thanks Charles!

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Ah wow a horrible pest and I wish you well

@Ralf1erudd 3 года назад

I also had them visit me in Princes Risborough

@rondacorkhill1654 5 лет назад

I love my mesh covers. I've never been successful with growing lettuce before this year.

@TheEmmz76 5 лет назад

Thanks so much charles, love your videos!! Im in new zealand so this video was really informative for our winter months regarding the use of fleece, i often watch and it always interests me the differences in insects you have there compared to ours. In new Zealands summer months its usually white butterfly, white fly, aphids . But this summer we had a lot of moths (unsure of what type) so will need to do some research.... Thanks so much for your content, you are a big go to for seeking info for our garden

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Nice to hear Emma. We have more moths this summer too, fewer butterflies I reckon.

@rlportillo 5 лет назад

Very useful information...thank you! Greetings from N. Georgia USA

@eadjh98 5 лет назад

Hi Charles, will be getting more netting for next years crops, at the moment I am being invaded by the Cabbage white laying eggs on my Brussels, they are not covered but will be using nets next year, so I’m out there every day wiping the yellow eggs off the leaves! I do have a couple of net cages but the are covering my onions from our cat and any other feline in the neighbourhood! (Full time job) So next year will be better organised! Have a great week and see you next time! 👍

@davelawson2564 5 лет назад

get electric fence to keep em out

@curiosidadesextrano 5 лет назад

Great information thank you. Such beautiful gardens.

@benchasinghorizons9428 5 лет назад

Thanks for all your advice. My allotment is doing realy well thanks to you. Cheers

@jeangraze8031 5 лет назад

Yay first one here...I just found your channel and I'm learning so much.

@alicecoppers8980 4 года назад

I took your advice this year and bought Remey. Best decision I’ve ever made. Not only does it keep out insects it keeps out the cats from pooping in my garden and it keeps the chickens out. I remove it when I’m watering but other than that I’m leaving it on most of my cabbage crops and lettice crops, the Beatles are losing too.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Nice feedback thanks Alice

@Shanmammy 3 года назад

What is remey?

@blackpackhomesteadchrisand7337 5 лет назад

Here in the States, we can grow cole crops through the winter using such a simple system.

@karenkmk4035 5 лет назад

Thanks Charles foe some terrific info. The Thermocrop mesh we call Shade Cloth in Australia, you can get different types for different applications. Definitely a must in our hottest weather. 👌

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Thanks Karen

@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920 3 года назад

Thanks Charles, Another lesson, well taught!

@credenza1 5 лет назад

Good information. A topic not often explained.

@TheFeelButton 5 лет назад

I've been admiring the covers of some neighbors.

@beverlyf6603 3 года назад

Great information! I always have a good time trying to figure out what vegetable you're talking about when the British English name differs from the American English. Many times I can tell just by seeing the plant, but your "swedes" really had me stumped for a while today... rutabagas!

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Glad it was helpful Beverly!

@kosmosjk 5 лет назад

I use enviromesh for my brassicas and fleece in the spring when I am bringing on young plants. The wood pigeons are my biggest problem up here in Lancashire - they sit watching, waiting, and attack my precious crops as soon as I walk in the house!!!! Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us :-)

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Ah yes pigeons, I do not envy you them

@Martitaroman1 4 года назад

Hello Mr Charles, I realized that your smaller garden had so much going on in growing!!! Thank you for teaching us how to do that, and learning how covering helps with pests, planting crops in between others, and changing over items to grow more during seasons. I'm going to try to do better for 2020... I do pray to Jehovah God for a bit of stable health for myself and family, especially for courage since Mamá is 91 yr old and her Alzheimer is progressing. PLEASE keep helping us, we appreciate it, very much.🌞. Give us ideas since I'm on 3 shifts and at times can't think straight 😛thank you.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Thanks Marti and growing some vegetables will be good for your busy life, good luck with your Mamá

@cumbrianhomestead 5 лет назад

I'm in South Cumbria Charles and I'm not aware of leek moth here yet, but have heard it has been problematic in the Midlands. Excellent video and explanation of using mesh. Thanks for sharing 👍

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Nice to hear and it's an advantage of being in the hills!

@anniecochrane3359 4 года назад

Marina said it a year ago - 'I love how your garden is like a well oiled machine'. Yes, a calm uncomplicated genius. Getting my garden ready for spring, i'm now thinking - hmmm what can I plant amongst those few remaining little cabbages which will be ready to pick in a week or two. I know - peas.And perhaps some radishes in a bare spot while I multisow some onions. I'm sure I'll make mistakes - but I'm on a new and exciting gardening path, with no turning back.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

How lovely, I wish your excitement level to rise even higher 💚

@GonePottyGardening 5 лет назад

Great advice as always, amazing veggies there 👍☺🥕

@djvader 3 года назад

FYI Lettuce are shade tolerant so grow bigger when shaded. Use a blackout mesh and watch them go!

@ramz1455 3 года назад

Thanks, I sowed my lettuce seedlings directly and their popping. I put meshed over them and debating whether to keep the meshed off while the sun was out or on.

@LGGGlove 3 года назад

So informative. Thank you so much. It’s heartbreaking to lose the harvest to someone who put no labor in

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Our pleasure!

@user-wh5ml7lv8h 5 лет назад

Спасибо , очень полезные видио , много идей использую на своём огороде , бога ых Вам урожаев ! Привет из Литвы 👍

@riverunner9978 5 лет назад

Flea beetles were devastating this year even with mesh ! Lovely gardens !

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Thanks and sorry to hear that, may be to do with industrial agriculture & oilseed rape

@Cordelia0704p 4 года назад

I beat the rabbits (and the birds) with bird netting this spring thanks to.your reply on a different video. I started using fleece last winter and I have mesh for this year because those wite moth worms destroyed all my brassicas last fall - works like a charm so far. Thanks so much!

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Great to hear Cordelia and thanks for saying :)

@someguy43210 5 лет назад

Brussel and carrots intercropping, thanks for the tip.

@stephaniehaffertyhomesteading 5 лет назад

Thanks - it was my idea a few years ago when we were deciding where to put the sprouts :-)

@Oktopia 2 года назад

I love how you don't seem frustrated at losing the odd veggie to animals or pests. It's live and let live, but deal with it when you can. I will adopt this philosophy, I think.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 2 года назад

💚

@RiverPlaid 5 лет назад

I enjoyed that very much.🌸

@anniecooper379 2 года назад

Hi Charles, when I've had holes appear in the insect netting I take the netting inside and repair on a sewing machine. Works wonders and saves buying new ones or, even better, letting the insects in to the veggies. Cheers from Annie in Melbourne, Australia. Love watching your videos and reading your books.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 2 года назад

Great tip and I need an Annie in Alhampton!

@anniecooper379 2 года назад

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Flying to UK (& Ireland) no longer on my list of things to do in the current world of Covid and war in Europe. Happy to stay in Aussie land and enjoy gardening on my 2/3 acre in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Maybe you could buy a sewing machine :) If I ever make it over there I will fix your nets for you. Cheers, Annie

@ThrivingWithGaylaDGaia 3 года назад

Thanks so much for explaining this!

@aminmawani9903 3 года назад

Thank you. Very well explained. I just did buy some mesh and fleece through your link.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Glad it was helpful Amin and thanks for that 😀

@heelf5277 5 лет назад

Love your videos mate 😊

@coolkevo 5 лет назад

You are a legend Charles

@CooperCarr 5 лет назад

We don't deserve Charles. Class A fella.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

You do Cooper and thanks

@alaskansourdoughwormsgarde4392 5 лет назад

Here in Alaska I had never planted cabbages or broccoli. This year I got a bug in my butt and planted both. Unfortunately I did not know about the damage cabbage flies can do to brassicas. I lost 3 cabbages and 4 broccoli to the root maggots the flies leave. I learned that if I put row cloth over the soil where you plant your cabbages (mine are in pots) the flies can't get to the base of the cabbage where they put their eggs. I also did something on my own an made a batch of that bacillus t you mentioned and put it around the base of the new cabbages I planted after tossing the old soil. I didn't think about my bok choy and landed up losing them all to the same maggot. It won't happen again. I also must tell you I love no dig. I have been mainly weed free this year for the first time.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Gosh you seem a long way from here and I am happy that no dig is giving a good result. For those pests, it's as you say, discovering which ones you need to protect against then finding best method for you.

@przybyla420 3 года назад

Willow wands make decent hoops for those so inclined. Got to get them put up while still green though, or they’ll snap.

@Andrew-eo2cw 5 лет назад

I purchased fleece earlier in the season online, it seems to be heavier than I needed at the time. Mesh seems a good idea and I shall look into getting some asap

@Lizi46 5 лет назад

And it lets less sunshine trough.

@real_wakawaka 3 месяца назад

OMG it just kicked in your the real life Mr. McGregor from peter rabbit! My wife wants your kind of order just like in the kids books...thanks to you i will be doing it this year at the allotment (my first year) :)

@nickyork8901 5 лет назад

Very interesting and useful thanks so much, from East Lothian. I don't think we have Leek Moth, fingers crossed!

@portiaholliday8741 5 лет назад

Merveille was going to see that's why it was bitter. It is 3' tall now. Yesterday it had lil yellow flowers at the top of the candelabra. The flowers looked like dandelions. I have A LOT of oxalis and crabgrass so that means lack of calcium. I went to Walmart today and got (2) more bags of powdered milk to increase the soil calcium level.

@alcogito8287 4 года назад

Save and grind your eggshells.

@ienekevanhouten4559 3 года назад

Ah, you answered the question that led me here. I am in a brand new garden and had to leave my hoop structures behind.. My poor brussels sprouts were just a bit crushed by the floating row cover.. On the other hand, it is either that or get eaten.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Happy to help. I find it amazing how plants manage even the little weight on top

@mwmingram 2 года назад

Very useful. Thank you.

@OrtoInScatola 5 лет назад

Fun, I just got my delivery of enviromesh today from Amazon! Another awesome video Charles!

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Cheers Francesco :)

@MrWookie21 2 года назад

When I succeeded in growing leeks on a honourable scale last year, I noticed during September those I pricked early July where damaged by small larvae. I think the responsible insect is _Napomyza gymnostoma_ , a leafminer. Had to pick an average of three leeks to have a reasonable one for cooking... Those I pricked on mid August were less concerned by this pest. Carrots & leeks are said to have a mutual protective effect against each other's pests ; but I still consider gather some cover mesh to protect especially brassicas & leeks this year. Using Organza bags is ok for a dozen of cabbage ; but it takes lots of time changing bags during their growth, plus their limited size make them useless for bigger brassicas. The carrots here never presented noticable larvae damage since 4 or 5 years now. I'm still impressed by your celeriacs @ 03:53, Charles !

@CharlesDowding1nodig 2 года назад

Thanks for this and I'm sorry you have that horrible pest on leeks, which we haven't yet seen but I think it's getting closer. Yes those celeriac were good and it reminds me that it's almost time to sow them again. We still have a few in the shed, looking good.

@MrWookie21 2 года назад

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Still wonder how they arrived there all of a sudden ; because I never cropped leeks before. Do you think it gives better results planting celeriacs on late March/early April or late May/early June ? I never sowed them in March ; did it at the same time as celeries the third week of January since 2 or 3 years. The first 6 celeriacs I planted in 2018 came from a garden-center ; it was on June, the 4th. I remember the bulbs were already 2 to 3 cm thick ; but I figured out these seedlings were sown in January. I remember they tasted really good and I managed to pick some hand sized bulbs !

@CharlesDowding1nodig 2 года назад

If you sow them in January there is a risk of bolting, and my favourite day is always middle of March, now!

@MrWookie21 2 года назад

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Did it yesterday after having read your answer ; hope the 13th will be ok ;) Thank you Charles! Am making fertilizers comparison tests on the first series sowed in January ; by feeding each batch separately every 15 days either with vermicompost tea, horse manure extract or diluted mineral fertilizer, since 1st of March. And keep focused on the bulb gowth now before planting them out in a couple of months :)

@catslovenature3800 5 лет назад

Beautiful ☘️🍀

@067captain 5 лет назад

On my allotment I have a one foot high chicken wire fence round every bed. Not much inconvenience for me, but no rabbit damage at all!

@guerdouhabdelfettah1120 5 лет назад

Just amazing

@Maggie-Gardener-Maker Год назад

Thank you for sharing that information. I garden in NW FL USA zone 8b. I will research the Thermacrop availability here, I am interested in perhaps trying some out in my winter garden this year.

@CharlesDowding1nodig Год назад

Good luck! Is good but on the whole I prefer mesh.

@allotmentuk1303 5 лет назад

Actually, from following your recommendations in your book I mesh cover everything, not used hoops yet but worth considering. I find rats make holes in the enviro mesh and I do have to put down bait to dissuade them. As you say it protects against a multitude of pests. Take care mike

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Ah bad luck on the rats

@johnbateman9290 4 года назад

Hi Charles thanks for the videos there so helpful, I've been using the blue water pipe for my hoops can you tell me what you make your hoops from thank you

@user-gz6is4sy9r 4 года назад

Very good you grow alot

@rubygray7749 5 лет назад

I see the cabbage whites and rabbits have been hitting the thumbs down button again Charles!

@alaskansourdoughwormsgarde4392 5 лет назад

Ruby Gray what is it with people and the thumbs down on good videos. Sheesh.

@josorr 4 года назад

@@alaskansourdoughwormsgarde4392 Bugs Bunny fans. Looney Tunes.

@domesticgoddess5584 3 года назад

Sour people do sour things.

@dalesman4530 5 лет назад

Great advice as usual, Charles. The leaf miner is a threat to our leeks in Derbyshire, despite being at 700ft, and the mesh definitely works. However, I do have a problem getting decent fleece. I bought a 30m roll (to see me out!) and kept it in our dark shed. Despite being from, I thought, a good brand (Yuzet), it literally falls into pieces after a couple of months in use. Others have had a similar experience so guidance would be valuable. Incidentally, an email to Yuzet drew no response.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Hmm very poor by Yuzet and it sounds like no uv stabiliser,. A sales description should mention this, to protect material from sunlight degrading it

@brotherinchrist1980 5 лет назад

Next year.i will be yousing mesh as cattapilers got to my brassica

@johnkay4701 5 лет назад

Hi Charles, thank you for your latest video; I think it will prove really useful. I was the chap that asked you in the comment of a previous video about what to do about all my lettuce & onion seedlings disappearing after I planted them out. (There are no rabbits around here). I've just planted out some more lettuce seedlings under a double layer of steel mesh & so far they are still alive this time. Could you advise please; to protect future lettuce & onion seedings, what covering would you recommend most; nylon mesh, fleece or polythene sheet? I only have the money for one of these, hence the question I must say I enjoy your method of delivery, you have a gentle relaxed style, not loud & hyper, & very, very, knowledgeable. Just hit the like icon & already subscribed. Thank you. John.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Cheers John nice to hear, and I advise mesh for all seasons. Fleece and polythene are too hot in summer and animals can tear them.

@julias521 4 года назад

Love the information on the row covers and how to shuffle and make it all work! I struggle with my brassicas being consumed by cabbage loopers and the fleece ends up being torn to shreds very quickly due to my garden location being on a hill and getting a lot of windy weather, etc. it’s so expensive to keep buying. Is this the Thermacrop that you mention in the lettuce section? If not, could you please share what the meshy plasticy-looking fabric is? Is it more durable than fleece? Do you know if it is available in the states? Also, what is the black mesh over the lettuces. I have an issue with birds and critters digging in my freshly seeded beds. Does this help with that? I Thank you!

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Hi Julia Yes the polypropylene netting (uv treated, as in this link www.gardening-naturally.com/netting-frost-protection/garden-netting/bird-netting) keeps birds, cats, even deer off the vegetables and soil. You need mesh not fleece, against insects and to cope with the wind. It must be available in the US. With fleece, it sounds like you are using a thin one!

@ulfberth9325 5 лет назад

I wonder why we don’t see any clear, transparent fleece and mesh. Does it have to be white? Would it not be lovely to see all the plants beneath? The shading effect would be limited of cause, but the need for that depends on where you live, I guess.

@susanc.2096 5 лет назад

Thank you for this wonderful video. I would like to know where you buy the bacillus thuringiensis? I'm struggling to get it. Thanks once again.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Thanks, and I see Amazon have sold out so only option I know is www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122009690524?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT but it's £35. Keeps good for say 3-4 years. Odd that it's so hard to buy when any store sells Roundup.

@jheslee4306 3 года назад

NEW SUBSCRIBER HERE FROM CALIFORNIA 🥰

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Welcome!!

@enuajsifoto 5 лет назад

Always extremely valuable information served in the most charming fashion however I do have second thoughts about the plastic particles contaminating my organic soil and consequently ending up in the vegetables and...yes me. Studies show water from plastic bottles disrupts hormones secretion so plastic isn't innocent not to mention negative impact of the production process on environment. I wonder if there are natural alternatives to the nylon meshes?

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

You make a good point, I don't know on either count and wish for a non-plastic alternative

@mikeharrington5593 4 года назад

Rabbit pie with saute-ed kale & baby carrots must be popular.

@ivansince91 4 года назад

Thank you sir.

@aaronjames3728 3 года назад

Thanks for all the great videos :) I live in Sacramento California. Growing zone 9a. Do you reckon that your sowing timetable is similar to mine? A goal of mine is to put together a monthly calendar with a grand list of all the vegetables to start in those respective months whether indoors or outdoors :). Also right now my garden September 5, I have major infestation of aphids. Do you think mesh would have kept those off if I put that down initially? And do you know any way to get rid of them at this stage? I know that’s a ton of questions. I don’t expect you to answer them, but if you did I would be delighted:)

@CharlesDowding1nodig 3 года назад

Cheers Aaron. You can sow earlier in spring and later from midsummer, about two week difference I expect. Aphids are a sign of dry soil and plant stress. Watering helps. Mesh does not correct the problem - often some extra compost will see less problem in the future

@claudiosapateiro8819 2 года назад

Hi thanks so much for ypur videos on knowledge sharing. Wouls you have any suggestion regarding moles? would is be a possibility some kind of barrier well underneath a raised bed? thanks

@CharlesDowding1nodig 2 года назад

Difficult. I prefer to use mole traps to catch them

@rudicerb97 4 года назад

Dear Charles, thank you for your interesting videos. I have had better results adopting much of your methods in my garden. Now that the winter is arriving, I have a question: Considering the problem of slugs in this damp part of Europe (Brussels region), similar to yours, what is the best method to prepare the soil for the winter? What is better, to use leaves as mulch (or even straw) to cover and protect it from rain and frost or to leave it clean and put all the leaves into the compost pile? Does one of your videos show the way your parcels are prepared for the winter? thank you again.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

It's so simple, just spread compost on top, that feeds soil organisms and protects them from weather. Without giving a home to slugs, which is why I do not recommend straw.

@davythom 5 лет назад

where should i buy the mesh and fleece covering ( uk based) for a large 1/4 acre veg garden

@haileynorris4928 5 лет назад

Garden naturally. They are brilliant.

@bonniesoliz141 5 лет назад

Your gardens are so beautiful and love your videos! So much information. I live in northern Minnesota, zone 3 and wondered if the mesh or any of the other products you used would help against frost?

@gelwood99 5 лет назад

Not mesh but the heavier fleece will protect against a light frost. Making 2 layers with a gap between then will give more protection. Elliot Coleman does this in Maine. He has his hoop houses and uses fleece inside. He said it gives you 2 zones warmer than you are in.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Good info Gail and yes, for winter it's fleece!

@bonniesoliz141 5 лет назад

@@gelwood99 I remember Elliot Coleman from his television series years ago. (he and his wife)

@yvonnedavies9693 5 лет назад

I have a Whitefly infestation in my garden, which is so difficult to remove or treat organically. Even netting didn't prevent them from laying their larvae in my Spring Cabbage. The disappointing part is that they have managed to spread to the greenhouse and polytunnel in both Microgreens and early Strawberry Plants. I despair at ever being rid of them and now think a harsh winter is going to be the only solution as well as investing in many Lavender Plants to deter predatory insects and attracting ladybirds.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 5 лет назад

Could be your plants need more compost mulch and moisture.

@julianhawker7672 4 года назад

Life long veg grower here Charles, your films have really made me question the old ways taught to me and I will be experimenting with lots of your methods on my plot going forwards. Have you ever tried "scaffolding protecting mesh" as an alternative to the micro mesh? it comes in longer, wider rolls and is pretty cost effective too. :-)

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

Thanks Julian and I have not tried it, are the holes small enough to keep insects out, and the material fine enough to allow enough light through, and is it uv treated? (excuse Q's!)

@julianhawker7672 4 года назад

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I was given a good sized piece for my brassicas last year by a friend, as I had the same problems you had with micro mesh not being wide enough, the results were good. I did a quick bit of research to try to answer your questions: It appears to come in various gauges and 2mm seems to be the one favored by gardeners, I presume its UV stabilized as its designed for outside use.

@CharlesDowding1nodig 4 года назад

@@julianhawker7672 Thanks Julian. 2mm would be good against moths and butterflies. For midges and flea beetles, a 1mm gauge is best