Knowledgebase
Cut worm?? #759150
Asked June 29, 2021, 6:22 PM EDT
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Naomi:
Those are cutworms. I'm going to attach a bulletin for University of Minnesota that will give greater detail on identifying them and how to control. If you do decide to use pesticides, please follow the instructions on the label carefully and wear appropriate safety gear.
UM had another bulletin that brings understanding to what pest is causing damage in your garden. Great for future reference.
Now to your soil question. I've always called it lava dust, but moon dust works too!. We have to amend to get the proper growing medium for a vegetable and flower garden. Horse manure is great, but really has to be composted well. If it's not, that could be adding to your cutworm problem. OSU extension has worked with Instant Landscaping to come up with a good garden soil. They have Raised Bed Soil for raised beds and Soil Rich Topsoil for in ground gardens. You can buy a soil test kit to determine your soil Ph at any garden store.