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Cut worm #850460

Asked September 18, 2023, 11:05 PM EDT

I have been picking out cutworm, but what can I use to destroy all cutworm in my raised beds? I live in Tumalo area. Prefer to keep my vegetables organically grown!

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question about organically managing cutworms in your vegetable beds.

For cutworm control in small areas, hand-pick climbing cutworms from plants during the evening or scratch the soil to uncover them during the day. For additional control, place a 3-inch-high cardboard collar around the stems of young plants and push it 1 inch into the soil.
Source: Growing Your Own | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)

The following links provide additional recommendations, including nonchemical, for cutworm prevention and control:
Cutworm - Vegetables | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)

Home Lawn & Garden: What’s Eating My Vegetables? | Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment at UMass Amherst

Landscape pests-Cutworm, fruitworm and armyworm | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)

Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties) | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)

If you need more information, I recommend you call the Deschutes County OSU Extension office in Redmond at<personal data hidden>. Ask to speak with Amy Jo Detweiler (oregonstate.edu), a member of the Horticulture Staff. Amy Jo welcomes your home garden questions and is a great resource.


Susan P., OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Replied September 20, 2023, 5:50 PM EDT

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