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I had used your tip til I read the following in an herb catalog years ago: after setting out your baby plant, stick 3-4 toothpicks into the dirt around the stem @ 1/2" away from the stem. This prevents the cutworm from wrapping itself around the stem to feed. I have done this for years and have never lost another baby to cutworms.
Great advice! I used to circle a mini-Stonehenge of pebbles around the stem. I also use a handful of wood ashes from the fireplace, and this probably works like the diatom. earth, but either will be ineffective once it rains. So, your cardboard tubes are more convenient and the longest lasting. Thanks!
I am new to this site and love all the posts. I can't wait to use the great ideas for cutworms. I am wondering about plants from seeds. At what point should the paper tubes, toothpicks, etc be used? Immediately when the plants start to show in the soil? My sunflowers from seeds are about 6-10" tall and being eaten by cutworms, plus the leaves have black on the tops. Is it too late to do the cutworm barrier?
I heard about this a couple months ago so I've collected a number of tubes--waiting for more info. Now I have it, but I need just a bit more--do you use the toilet paper tubes without cutting them down (say in 1/3s or 1/2s)? I thought the cutworms were on the surface so all you had to do was get the tubes well-anchored. I wouldn't think it would take the whole thing to do so??? Another question: I heard about cutworms in relation to broccoli and cabbage, etc. Do ALL plants (beets, onions, chard, peas, etc.) need the TP collar? I have my tomatoes, peppers, and curcubits under plastic jugs pushed into the soil for warmth--do those seedlings ALSO need TP collars?
I don't cut the TP tube, I like it high as well as nicely in the ground. I take full advantage of that well for watering. Beets, onions, chard, etc., I've never had a problem with. peas...occasionally but I don't do them because I plat them thick. Tomatoes and peppers I always collar.
