6 Organic Ways to Prevent and Kill Cabbage Worms

Cabbage worms stop many organic gardeners from even trying to grow brassicas of any kind... Like Cabbages, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, and Kohlrabi.
Not any more. There are plenty of organic ways to control cabbage loopers and cabbage white worms. In this organic gardening video, Brian will show you 6 of them.
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[@GrandmaMaeCorporation]

I am privileged to know the scientist that invented BT ( Professor Thornley at USU) he said they use it on ears of corn when the hairs come out to stop corn worms. It’s good on potatoes, anything that eats veggies, I stopped him at the Bank one day to congratulate him on making the world a better place, . He’s gone now, I’m glad I took the opportunity to acknowledge him, he lite up like a Christmas tree.

[@gratefulketo2211]

Back in the old days...we used to cover the cabbages and cauliflowers with panty hose! Strange but it worked!

[@tinaclick5952]

This is great! Thank you. This helps me plan my spring garden a bit better!

[@nellanddudley]

I've been using BT since I planted my first garden in 1980. It works! Love the idea of foliar feeding at the same time!

[@laurieanne9712]

Very helpful! Here all these years, I didn't know I could combine the foliar feed with the Bt. Thank You!

[@klomax7089]

Perfect timing for this video, thank you! Those bugs and worms are sooooooo disrespectful. 😡 I will be trying BT for sure 👍🏽

[@sandielefant8258]

Oh wow! Game changer! Thank you!! I've searched every leaf and cannot find the darn worms. I'm going to the nursery now! Thanks!!

[@alysonbaker939]

Thumbs up to BT. I learned, from Brian, about BT last summer and used it on all my cabbage, beets, lettuces, kale, and other places where I’ve found cabbage loopers in the past. BT worked like a charm. I didn’t have near the damage and was able to grow cabbage to harvest. I grew red cabbage but never noticed whether it had been chewed. I just went down the row. I didn’t realize I could be fertilizing at the same time. Yea!! That will simplify spraying next summer. Thank you again for a great vid.

[@SpiceyKy]

Yes Sir. I definitely enjoyed the video. Can't wait to see you next weekend! Great info... as usual. 💘

[@gabbygertie8709]

I have 12 cabbage plants, and 12 brussel sprouts plants. I picked 121 cabbage worms off my plants today. And I've been using Neem oil! It's war now! BT it is!

[@cfoster6804]

Neem oil does not work on them.

[@HealingMyselfIsTheFocus]

Im an avid neem oil/castile soap/essential oil person myself. IT. IS. NOT. WORKING this year. I've heard of BT and have drug my feet to try it. Did you find it worked better than neem oil?

[@donald1191]

love seeing the process. I wonder sometimes if I'm doing it correctly and seeing this gave me the reassurance I need

[@jojackson9129]

I live beside a nature preserve so have a serious critter problem as well. I've put my raised beds in 1/2" hardware cloth cages with removable tops and use drip tube sliced lengthwise to protect the edges from snagging me. So far that seems to also keep out the cabbage pests too. I have a couple of big wolf spiders too, and use a cloth to knock those white butterflies down so I can grab them and toss them into the spider webs. THAT's quite the show: spiders race out, discard the wings and wrap them up tight, and then repair the holes in the webs, ready for the next one! It's SO satisfying!

[@deannadelabretonne5044]

I had no idea I could spray for pests with BT and use fertilizer all at the same time! So good to know! Thanks!

[@GutenGardening]

Those cabbage worm set us back severely this Fall! No mercy for them. You are right, they are the master of camouflage. Great tips! We will be ready for them next season. Thanks for sharing. p.s. They seem to also like our purple Kale...

[@debbiegordon7684]

Thanks, perfect timing....was just looking at the holes springing up

[@PaulWalker-zk2dd]

Brian, I enjoy and benefit from your weekly videos. Hoping with your help that next year will be better than last. Just an interesting footnote, the brassica family is quite a large family of plants and weeds, but many people do not realize that the vegetables we grow in the brassica family are mostly all just one plant, bred for different dominant traits. Probably developed by the monks in the Middle Ages, who didn't have much else to do except gardening. I learned this interesting fact in college biology, it can also be looked up on Wikipedia. BTW, I grew red cabbage, and did notice a few holes in some, but I will be proactive next year. Brassica oleracea: kale, cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, kai-lan, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi

[@stevealcorn7599]

Thanks Brother. Love your stuff. You get right to the point with your content.

[@Falafelzebub]

I had success using nasturtiums as companion plants. They don't work as a deterrent, but as a sacrificial crop, because cabbage butterflies seem to prefer them. Also, if you aren't growing a huge crop, just rubbing out the eggs with your thumb before they hatch is much easier than picking off the worms.

[@pwu8194]

The worm is about the size of a hair, I imagine the eggs might be even smaller. Rubbing eggs off isn't an easy task.

[@saiorsecaldwell6221]

​​​@@pwu8194ey are definitely not the size of a hair. Very easy to see if you have decent eyesight or magnifying glass. One of the methods mentioned is even "picking" the worms.

[@LL-oc1xw]

Although I thought earwigs were making swiss cheese of my bok choy - I now am considering the simple cabbage worm as well! Thank you for this. I'll probably go with row covers or other netting on my containers.

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

I just got my BT going to spray tomorrow. That’s why my purple cabbage is untouched 🥬great video❤️❤️❤️

[@TorahFirma]

Oh thank you so much for these suggestions! I started SO many brassicas this year and planted out a TON of them after we finally made it past our last frost date here in Zone 6a, which has moved in the last several years to about mid-May. This is definitely going to save my Kale, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower harvest this year! Also, on a side note, I built a modified version of your tomato trellis to suit our beds this year (I pieced together raised beds from scrap pallet wood, old split fence rails, and other scrap wood I had laying around), and I ended up making use of a bunch of old thick wire T-post clips that we rarely use, but we always end up with whenever we buy T-posts, to make my own string spools to hang the line for the tomatoes on the trellis, and so far, it is working out AWESOME!! I greatly appreciate your videos and information- your channel is a lifesaver! Keep up the great work!

[@wiseherb1426]

I know when I see that Lion King tee I’m about to get the ultimate in garden content👏👏love your channel!

[@kingjohndavidsr9720]

Awesome Info! Thanks Man. All I ever heard about was to use neem oil but this gives me options👍🏾

[@kathleenthomas3275]

What a great idea to add liquid fertilizer to the BT! Thank you!

[@hyacinthABC]

Home Depot and Lowe's usually carry it labelled as Thuricide - dilute as directed but use it fairly quickly - dilution doesn't keep.

[@RoyHolder]

I had red cabbages, butterflies didn't care, still ate them.. Fine bird netting helps..

[@deewinston5651]

Great info Brian! Thanks so much!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome

[@KingzMommy]

Thanks for the reminder 😎 it’s been raining on and off here in DE for the last couple weeks. We’ve finally got a clear week so I went out and sprayed my BT on all my brassicas. Hand picking gets tiring 😪

[@klattin1501]

Thank you so much, you continue to teach me things i wish I'd known 40 years ago. My grandkids LOVE to run around with their butterfly nets to catch butterflies. I've taught them the only butterfly they cannot catch and release are those pesky white ones. They thus catch and dispose of those. But i still have the evidence of worms. You've given me even better ammunition to battle cabbage worms!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thank you

[@wolco003]

Im getting a butterfly net...I will look less crazy chasing these little bastards!

[@kaitlin4214]

Thanks so much for this! I've been spending 10 minutes a day picking them off. BT will be much easier! I used your affiliate link. Thanks for your content!

[@tinatippin5705]

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[@DevorahHelig]

Dipel is a trade name for the BT product you recommend. It works great on tomato horn worm too

[@leeannmillet8215]

THANKS so much for the information.

[@lauriesmith7517]

Great info. I love bT, too.

[@summerfoley2481]

I'm not growing brassicas yet but got info to know for when I try them.

[@gabbykb2343]

Had some arugula under attack and tried the cornmeal method.... From all appearances it seems to have done the trick. Thanks alot!!

[@mamasolilytarotbeyond8248]

thanks for those tips. my quote is grow two trees with one seed.

[@christinej2358]

I sure wished I’d seen this video when I planted my cabbage. My entire crop have been eaten up by the cabbage worms. I had no idea the little white butterfly was my garden enemy. I thought they were pollinators. Now, I know!!! Next year will be different. I have been able to harvest and salvage a few heads, but boy, them worms are relentless. Thank you for sharing your garden knowledge!

[@dhahabu9219]

Every time I look at my kale I am depressed... two have been eaten away completely. One is surviving but only just ... today found two worms and took them off manually. I am now going to get this BT product. Thanks a lot for tips. By the way I love your T-shirt! Once I get BT my 'matatas' will be over. I will be able to say "Hakuna Matata." :-)

[@freddieivory625]

Great tips thank you for sharing

[@MariaPerez-ke8cx]

Thank you so very much!!!

[@shineisland7447]

So grateful

[@chizie3659]

Thank you for this info, my cabbage is being chewed up at record speed. I have ordered BT😊

[@margaritaqvlog1501]

Thanks for the tips

[@soniariley8168]

I live in Barbados a tropical country and its very difficult for me to grow cabbage the worms always destroys them.my best to grow them is from october to late Febuary may.i try not to use pesticides but we don't get the natural things to us like BT but your videos are very informative thank you.

[@Must_not_say_that]

Yes, very good video, thank you.

[@ikalennyy6986]

Thank you. Perfect.

[@juliewilliamsnewzealand818]

awesome advice :) thankyou xxx

[@arjumandvillagecooking]

Thank you so much😊❤

[@lindapooh1970]

Wow! THANKYOU so much. Perfect timing. I'm so frustrated with these damn things!

[@NextLevelGardening]

You're welcome

[@ewaslowakiewicz7215]

I use wood ash, sprinkle abundantly on the plants and repeat after rain.

[@farmerbob4554]

Thanks for the excellent video. I use BT to control cabbage worms and other caterpillar type pests and you’re right it works great. The biggest problem I have with brassicas are aphids. I have to spray every two weeks religiously to control them. It seems like they go from zero to total infestation overnight.

[@lidip8700]

I started my fall crop of cabbage in my grow room in July & now its time to harden the off & get them planted in the outdoor garden.. . But man they're so perfect, I really hate to expose them to the insects! However, with BT in hand, I'm ready for those critters!!

[@TheLeahsKitchen]

I've used tobacco spray for years and it is very effective if you start spraying the minute you see the signs.

[@pamelamanns9384]

Hi what is Tobacco spray ?

[@TheLeahsKitchen]

@@pamelamanns9384 Open up cigarettes - old or new, place them is warm (slightly hot) water and leave for a few days. Strain and spray.

[@cfoster6804]

There are so many other chemicals in most commercial cigarettes. You need to find pure untreated tobacco. It will probably affect the taste of the plants though. 🤮

[@xxxCinnamongirl]

Thabk you so much ive been looking at those little white butterflies flutter around my plants and just look at them adoringly because i had no idea what they were 😂😂😂 my cabbages are shredded up like a toddler with a hole puncher came along. Now i know thanks !

[@grace-v2d]

Thanks for this video. What about getting rid of rolls pollues...my garden is overrun with them also.

[@nanarose3496]

Great info, Brian! I had given up on many plants because of the worms. Now you’ve armed me for next year. The way time is flying, it will be time for starting seeds before I know it. Thanks as always for your time and effort in sharing your wisdom. You are deeply appreciated!! Love and hugs to you, Emilie and Noah 🥰🤗❤️🥦🥦🥬🥬

[@NextLevelGardening]

Yes. It will be here before we know it! Thank you as always. ❤❤

[@IntegratedPestManagement]

Imported Cabbageworms are nasty buggers. I'm wondering how many I've consumed this year in my kale salads since they are so camouflaged. Oh my. Love the videos keep them coming.

[@MemasakDirumah]

I bee happy after watching your video. Your video very good information. Thank from indonesia

[@MemasakDirumah]

I want you give me spirit to my chanal Mr...

[@sewpretty13]

Great Video! My guess is this will work for most other pest worms as well, like the armyworms on my tomatoes?

[@elaineewart6640]

Thank you

[@bill.Latham]

Great video, will BT work on rose slugs? Thank You

[@cindyhewatt3406]

I'm a bit late for today's video but its better late than never.... I can't believe that I have just learned so much from you on how to get rid of cabbage worms, now I need to find some cornmeals!!!

[@mikedickson6362]

Just bought more BT👍

[@sudhac1384]

Great tips!! Will neem oil work against cabbage worms?

[@navyaa4933]

Can you do a video on controlling mites attack on plants

[@andiincali.4663]

So there's a practical purpose for planting purple! Yes! I do because It's my favorite color, but that's what I'll tell people if they ask.

[@jimmcdowell9017]

Great info! I always grow more than I need, but I can’t bring myself to offer a cabbage to neighbors that has been gnawed on. White butterflies are BAD news.

[@annsanimationaddiction8024]

I have around 14 different brassicas growing rn. I have 2 inedible cabbages (on accident). They seem to really just go after the purple inedible cabbage.

[@susanriggs8896]

You mentioned using the Bt and fertilizing together for the Kole crops. Do you fertilize the same amount during the winter as the summer? Also, we've been having an unusually warm fall in the SFBay area. It's 12/8/20 and the temperature this afternoon is 72 deg. F. Many of my spring flowers such as roses and day lilies are blooming. Should I be fertilizing those plants, too?

[@nimageofmine]

ty for the video. I have been curious about the white butterfly always flying over my new cabbage plants. I also saw some kind of dots on the leaves. Now I know these are eggs. I am going to get rid of it and also spray BT. Do you happen to know if neem spray will be equally effective (I already have that)

[@peterturner1582]

I find if I leave the caterpillar squashed bodies on the plant the butterfly will not relay eggs on that plant. They either smell or see the dead ones and they seem to feel it is unsafe to lay more eggs there. I've been doing it for the past 2 years and have had very few problems. I can then keep on top of the worms without any sprays.

[@hollyreilly4818]

Thank you. Now I can identify the moth. BTW, you can use BT in a pond for mosquito control. Its toxic to the larvae. Thats what is in those mosquito dunks that you can buy at Home Depot.

[@NextLevelGardening]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@nanarose3496]

Holly, great to know. I have two small fountains and use those mosquito dunks. (I originally thought I had tadpoles in the fountain until I realized it was mosquito larvae)🤣🤣🤣

[@hyacinthABC]

Thanks - those dunks are expensive!

[@jasonclayton936]

@@NextLevelGardening I have a question will bt wash off in the rain every time I spray bt not long after I spray bt on my plants the rain comes I have sprayed my plants 3 times so far.

[@ea313712]

Will the BT liquid also work on my strawberry leaves which also seem to have those similar round holes in the leaves ?

[@mogambalpadayachee2292]

I love ur channel i have lots of worms most of my plant's die

[@bricewilson275]

I got a question about letting chickens in your raised beds in the winter does it hurt or help in the spring. I live in western Kentucky along the ohio river

[@mmercier0921]

I have badminton rackets everywhere for those white butterflies. I also put bowls of beer for the slugs. I need an organic spray that won't kill my good bugs.

[@jbigs3684]

Ty Ty Ty!!!!!!!

[@mariebury5067]

What to use for healthy sweets potatoes leaves.

[@brianl.6028]

Good day, what do you recommend to use to kill mealy bugs? My tomates were looking great then BOOM, surprise.

[@karenlatham4053]

I finally ordered some BT off Amazon. I couldn't find it in any local stores.

[@hyacinthABC]

HD and Lowe's usually sell it under brand name Thuricide. Dilute as directed but use dilution within a day or so - it doesn't keep.

[@adadirect]

What is the model of the sprayer that you use? I didn't want to get a super expensive sprayer but am afraid the cheap ones would break really quickly

[@Hemlata_Barman]

Nice

[@tricka72]

Tyty!!

[@Cakepan45]

GOOD GRIEF I HAVE THOSE UGLY THINGS. THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO!!!!!

[@shortermama8099]

I've definitely found several worms/caterpillars on my red cabbages. 😬

[@kynchan3332]

I really like hitting butterflies with the fly zapper.

[@tompatchak8706]

I have one cabbage plant. Bought it in a whim, and say the holes right away. I then found 8 worms on that one plant! I flicked them off, but I’m sure there are more. Ima plants some sacrificial plants to try to save it. But if it doesn’t, I’m ok with it

[@faithhopelove5734]

Do we need a garden sprayer? Or can we use a typical spray bottle

[@rashadakhalil2464]

How the eggs go on the bottom of the leaf when butterflies lays them on the top ?

[@stephyellicott8572]

thank god i just found you 🙏

[@joerodriguez4366]

Can u add neem oil with it to spray all?

[@mattw4547]

Years ago I considered a 410 shotgun to get the adults but my sensible wife talked me out of it.....

[@wolco003]

I have considered one of those salt guns that work for flies!

[@lynnwood2076]

@@wolco003 great Christmas gift!

[@wolco003]

@@lynnwood2076 Totally! I bought a butterfly net for a 1/4 of the price.

[@shortermama8099]

😂😂😂

[@shortermama8099]

Wise wife!

[@kathleenthomas3275]

Will you show us how you set up your irrigation?

[@wolco003]

He has a couple videos about it.

[@PaullaWells]

You have mentioned this BT before so I am now curious as to what kinds of pests does this work for besides the cabbage worms. Also, thought you might like to know my broccoli and cauliflower are still doing very well. I'll do a garden update later today. And the herbs and lettuce I planted in the greenhouse have been thriving too!

[@NextLevelGardening]

Thats great! BT works on any leaf eating catapillar type worm.

[@PaullaWells]

@@NextLevelGardening - That's terrific! How about squash bugs? I had those at the end of the season this year and I am afraid they will be back again next year.

[@lauriesmith7517]

@@PaullaWells, use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for squash bugs.

[@PaullaWells]

@@lauriesmith7517 - Thank you!

[@gardenhome3930]

I am having wire worms in my garden which are spoiling my radishes and new seedlings. Can u please suggest any remedy

[@gaildunn8047]

I once had some worms in the soil that destroyed my cabbages. What was it? Any idea?

[@luckyliger88]

Alln6 if my cabbage plays are completely ruined. Should I pull them up or can I save them? Thank you!

[@toniearnest1861]

Can you still consume the leaves with holes or that have been sprayed with the BT ? Do the cabbage worms eat lettuce and spinach also ???

[@lauralyndickson7056]

I know it's not a vegetable, but I need to ask. Will BT work on the caterpillars that destroy my passion vine? I hate spraying insecticides, but if I don't do anything they eat it down to bare vines.

[@shangcvs38]

I am a Kidney Transplant Patient so any Chemicals are out. What is the best time to look for them, and what else can I do, HELP.