Two Feet in the Dirt

Cabbage worms are one of the most common garden pests in this region and, in a bad year, can easily decimate crops in a short time if not kept under control. Cabbage worms target crops in the brassica family, also known as cole crops. These include kale, cabbage, broccoli, collards, arugula, and mustard greens, among others. You’ve probably noticed the white butterfly adult form of these pests flying around from spring through fall. The eggs these butterflies  lay on brassica plants will hatch into the small green, velvety-looking worms which can grow to a plump 2+ inches as they munch on the leaves of the plant. A sure sign that you have cabbage worms in your garden, besides large holes in the leaves of plants, is the small balls of dark green poop that will gather at the base of the leaves, especially in the heart of the plant where the new growth is starting.

On a small scale, it is easy to control cabbage worms by simply checking all over the leaves for them, picking them off, and smashing them. However, you have to look very carefully as the worms’ green color helps to camouflage them perfectly on the leaves. Another preemptive measure is to use floating row cover, also called reemay, which keeps pests out while still letting light and water in. On a larger scale, it is possible to spray an organic pesticide called Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt). This microbe damages the gut of soft-bodied insects when it is eaten but has no impact on the acidic guts of humans. Keep in mind that only the dried, powder form of Bt (as opposed to the liquid form) is approved for organic usage.