If you grow leafy greens like cabbages, kale or broccoli, chances are you've dealt with the frustrating effects of caterpillars. Those tiny holes in your plants? They’re most often caused by cabbage white butterflies laying eggs on your crops. That’s where butterfly netting comes in – a simple, effective way to keep butterflies off your plants without reaching for chemical sprays.
In this post, we’ll look at what butterfly netting is, how it works, and why it’s a must-have for UK gardeners during the growing season.
What is Butterfly Netting?
Butterfly netting is a fine mesh garden net designed specifically to prevent butterflies (and moths) from reaching your crops. The holes in the mesh are small enough to stop insects like the cabbage white from passing through, but large enough to allow light, rain, and air to circulate – keeping your plants healthy while keeping pests away.
Unlike bird netting or general-purpose mesh, butterfly netting is manufactured with a tighter weave, typically around 5–7mm mesh size, which is ideal for protecting brassicas and other vulnerable crops.
Why Use Butterfly Netting in Your Garden or Allotment?
1. Prevent Caterpillar Damage with Butterfly Net
The main reason gardeners use butterfly netting is to stop butterflies from laying eggs on their plants. These eggs hatch into hungry caterpillars that can quickly strip a cabbage or cauliflower bare.
2. Avoid Chemical Sprays by Using Butterfly Netting
Netting provides a physical barrier, so there’s no need for pesticides or sprays. It’s a safe, non-toxic way to manage pests ideal for organic gardeners.
3. Protect Specific Crops with Butterfly Netting
Crops most at risk from cabbage whites include kale, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, swede and broccoli. These are best covered from early spring right through to autumn.
4. Other Benefits of Butterfly Netting
It’s not just butterflies – fine netting also helps reduce damage from pigeons, carrot root fly, aphids and other airborne pests, especially when used early in the season.
How to Use Butterfly Netting Effectively
To get the best results from your netting, follow these simple tips:
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Use a frame or hoops to keep the netting lifted above your plants – netting that rests directly on leaves can still allow butterflies to lay eggs through the mesh.
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Secure the edges tightly to the ground with pegs or bricks so insects can’t crawl underneath.
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Regularly inspect the inside of the netting for trapped butterflies or signs of caterpillars.
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Adjust as plants grow, making sure the net doesn’t restrict their height or airflow.
Netting is lightweight and easy to move, so you can rotate it around the garden as needed depending on what’s in season.
When Should You Install Butterfly Netting?
In the UK, cabbage white butterflies are most active from late spring to early autumn, so it’s best to cover vulnerable crops from April through September. Watch for warmer weather and signs of butterfly activity – if you see them flitting around your veg patch, it’s time to get the netting up.
Choosing the Right Butterfly Netting
Here’s what to look for when buying butterfly netting:
Mesh size: 5mm to 7mm is ideal
UV stabilised: ensures it won’t degrade quickly in sun
Lightweight and breathable: good airflow keeps plants healthy
Reinforced edges: longer-lasting and easier to secure
Some netting is sold by the metre or in pre-cut sizes to suit raised beds, row covers, or polytunnels. Choose the size that fits your growing space with enough height clearance.
Butterfly netting is one of the simplest ways to protect your crops and improve harvest quality. By stopping butterflies before they lay eggs, you can avoid the most common form of caterpillar damage and grow healthier, more productive plants.
It’s a low-cost, reusable, and chemical-free method that every UK gardener should have on hand during the growing season – especially if you’re growing brassicas. Whether you’re managing an allotment or a home veg patch, butterfly netting could be the difference between hole-riddled leaves and a thriving crop.