Insect
Cutworms
Fat, grey or brown caterpillars up to 5 cm long that curl into a C-shape when disturbed, found just below the soil surface near plant stems.
Symptoms to Look For
- Seedlings cut off cleanly at soil level overnight
- Young stems severed or tunnelled through near the base
- Plants collapsing suddenly despite moist soil
Affected Plants
TomatoPepperBrassicaLettuceCornBeanPeaCarrotBeetroot
Organic Solutions
Physical collars
Press a cardboard or plastic collar 2 - 3 cm into the soil around each transplant stem to block cutworm access.
Beneficial nematodes
Water Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes into warm moist soil around plant bases before planting.
Diatomaceous earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in a ring on the soil surface around stems.
Prevention
- Cultivate soil well before planting to expose and kill overwintering pupae
- Check soil at night with a torch to hand-pick larvae
- Delay transplanting until soil temperatures rise above 15 C to reduce larval activity
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.