pak choy

irishwexford

Hi. I intend planting some of this but wondered if I have to treat it as a cabbage (and put under net) or a lettuce (whick is ok without net). I'm sure someone will know the answer as I have searched the webb but nowhere does it suggest netting.
Thanks:cool:

NoelleV

I had a great crop of pack choi (eating every 3-4 days for 2 months) and didn't use any netting, but I didn't plant the seedlings out until they had a few 'proper' leaves. I had no problems with them being nibbled, other than a few slugs!

Its my first year growing and pack choi have been the star of the show so far!

zarazara

I think treating it as a cabage is best. Its a brassica I understand. I planted some on the allotment this morning,BUT as I have a huge slug problem I dont give it much chance of success. Hope I'm wrong.

loucroft

Love the stuff but all mine have been munched on as they're growing, and its not just slugs looking at the leaves either I'm wondering about insects.

I've netted mine in the hope that nothing else stops them growing...worth a try

paulwf

We've grown some in pots that are taken in and out of the house every day and they've grown really rapidly but now they are getting eaten! We didn't think kit was slugs as they are in pots and only outside when it is warm. It turns out caterpillars are hatching from eggs laid on the leaves and are eating them bit by bit.

Everything else we grow has been left alone so I guess they are prone to it because they are related to cabbages. I think some protection would be essential if they were to be left outdoors.

foxgloves

I haven't noticed pak choi being eaten by caterpillars in previous years, but this year they are getting very nibbled and I've found the eggs of the small white butterfly stuck underneath the leaves. There is also damage from naughty beaks, as our sparrows are pecking lettuces & stuff to bits this year......planted 16 young plants out the other day, then went out for 3 hours & when we got back, they were shredded & by the next day they were sad stumps. Will be covering young lettuces & pak choi in future unless can have ASBO for sparrows.

irishwexford

Thanks for all your replies. I have room in a mess cage so will put them in there and hope for the best.

davester

pak choi is is used alot in Thai cooking so looking up Thai recipes will give you ideas.

Farway

I was at RHS Wisley yesterday, and all their pak choi is under netting, and I assume if anyone knows they do

davester

I have it under a net cause snails and slugs like it as much as I do.

Other one if you use filter coffee, put the leftover on the soil around your crop, egg shells on top, snails and slugs hate it, or give them a little beer in a pot out the way they get wasted and drown. Just daily check and remove them from the pot cause it will fill up quite fast