What Bugs Us?

Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms are the larvae of the cabbage butterfly. These pests feed on cabbages and other brassicas like broccoli, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Their green coloring makes them tough to detect until they have started chewing crops. Ragged tears and holes in leaves are typical signs of their presence.
Like many garden pests, prevention is best. A floating row cover (DeWitt ™ seed guard) set out early in the growing season will keep cabbage butterflies from laying their eggs on plants. If you do spot cabbage worms, control the populations with hand-picking or applying the affected crops with Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) or Spinosad. Both Bt and Spinosad are the active ingredient in commercial organic insecticides. Our friendly greenhouse staff can help you choose the correct product with these ingredients. Remember to always read the directions on the product label and apply product precisely!