I read recently about using inverted paper cups to stop root maggots on broccoli, cabbage, and related cole transplants.

You slit the cup up the side, cut an 'X' on the bottom for the stem to poke through, and then arrange the cup rim side down under the transplant. The cabbage flies that lay eggs at the base of these plants cannot get down to the dirt because of the cup. I would probably use a piece of tape to hold the slit closed after I arranged the cup around the plant. I would use fairly small cups - maybe 9 oz - to prevent too much covering of the plant base because I don't want to prevent water from getting to the roots. I might put a dab of Tanglefoot (sticky trap goo) on the 'X' around the stem to really mess up any flies that try to get through the 'X' around the stem.

Has anyone tried this? It sounds pretty good to me and I am thinking that I will give it a try this year.

Frank