Flea beetles
Small round holes in the leaves of young brassicas, radishes, turnips and rocket. The shiny 2–3 mm beetles jump away when you come near.
Flea beetles are most active in warm, dry weather in spring and summer and mainly attack seedlings.
What can you do?
- Keep the soil and the plants moist: flea beetles dislike damp conditions.
- Cover seedbeds with fine insect mesh or fleece until the plants are sturdy.
- Hoe regularly between the rows to reduce their hiding places.
Prevention
Sow radishes and rocket early in spring or in late summer and keep seedbeds moist. Sturdy plants grow away from the damage.
When to watch out: April–June