Kale is a popular leafy green packed with nutrients, but if you’ve noticed holes in your kale leaves, you may be dealing with cabbage worms.
These pests can quickly devastate your garden if not managed properly.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cabbage worms, how to prevent infestations, and safe ways to control them.
Let’s dive in!
Identifying cabbage worms
Cabbage worms are the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae).
They are small, green caterpillars that feed on kale, cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables.
These worms blend in with the green leaves, making them difficult to spot.
They often hide under leaves, chewing small holes that gradually expand.
Signs of cabbage worm infestation include:
- Holes in leaves: Small, irregularly shaped holes appearing on leaves are a common sign.
- Caterpillars: Look for small, velvety green caterpillars on the undersides of leaves.
- Frass: The presence of small green droppings (frass) is another indicator.
- White butterflies: The adult form of cabbage worms is a white butterfly with black spots. If you see them fluttering around your garden, eggs may be on your kale leaves.
Causes of Cabbage Worm Infestation
Cabbage worms are common pests that love cruciferous vegetables like kale.
They lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves, keeping them hidden from predators.
Here are some reasons why you might see more cabbage worms in your garden:
- Read also: Protecting Your Brassicas: How to Prevent Cabbage Worms
- Read also: Tiny Terror, Big Trouble: Eradicating Cabbage Worms on Your Broccoli
Planting kale in the same spot
If you plant kale in the same place every year, cabbage worms and other pests will remember it as a good food source and keep coming back.
Rotating your crops each year can help break this cycle and reduce infestations.
Warm weather
Cabbage worms thrive in warmer temperatures, so you’ll notice more of them in the spring and summer when the weather heats up.
Lack of natural predators
If your garden doesn’t have many birds or beneficial insects to keep the pests in check, cabbage worms can quickly multiply and become a bigger problem
Prevention Strategies
Preventing cabbage worm infestations is crucial to keeping your kale healthy.
There are several non-chemical methods you can use that are effective and environmentally friendly.
Non-chemical methods
Here are some effective non-chemical methods to protect your kale from cabbage worms:
Row covers
These are lightweight, breathable fabrics that you can place over your kale plants.
They create a physical barrier that prevents pests, including cabbage moths, from laying their eggs on your crops.
It’s best to put them on as soon as you plant.
Floating row covers
Unlike traditional row covers, floating row covers rest directly on the plants without needing a frame.
They let light, air, and water in while keeping pests out.
Just make sure to secure the edges with soil or stones to prevent any gaps where insects could sneak in.
Companion planting
Planting certain herbs and flowers, such as dill, marigold, and sage, near your kale can help repel cabbage worms.
Companion planting creates a more diverse garden, which confuses pests and attracts helpful insects that can keep the cabbage worms at bay.
Handpicking and squishing
This method might take a bit of time, but it’s very effective for small gardens.
Check your kale plants daily and remove any visible cabbage worms you find.
You can either squish them or drop them into soapy water to eliminate them.
Diatomaceous earth
This natural powder is made from fossilized algae and is safe for humans but harmful to soft-bodied pests like cabbage worms.
Sprinkle it around your plants but remember to reapply after it rains.
Neem oil
Derived from the neem tree, neem oil is an organic pesticide that disrupts the lifecycle of cabbage worms, preventing them from feeding.
Spray it on the leaves of your kale, especially on the undersides where the worms like to hide.
Beneficial insects
Encourage helpful insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps in your garden.
These natural predators feed on cabbage worms and other pests.
You can attract them by planting flowers like alyssum, yarrow, and fennel.
Chemical control
If you’re facing a serious cabbage worm infestation and non-chemical methods haven’t worked, you might need to consider using insecticides.
However, it’s crucial to choose safe and environmentally friendly options and to use them responsibly.
When and how to use insecticides safely
Insecticides should be a last resort.
If you do decide to use them, it’s essential to apply them correctly to avoid harming helpful insects and pollinators.
The best times to spray insecticides are early in the morning or late in the evening when bees and other beneficial insects are less active.
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage and application methods.
Choosing environmentally friendly options
Look for organic insecticides, like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
This is a naturally occurring bacteria found in the soil that effectively targets cabbage worms while leaving beneficial insects unharmed.
Another good option is insecticidal soap, which can be sprayed directly onto the cabbage worms to kill them.
- Read also: How to Identify and Control Cabbage Worms on Brussels Sprouts
- Read also: Stress-Free Gardening: Top Tips to Protect Vegetables From Pests
Final Thoughts
Cabbage worms can be a challenge, but with the right prevention and control strategies, you can keep your kale plants healthy and pest-free.
Remember to start with non-chemical methods and only resort to insecticides when absolutely necessary.
Regular monitoring and crop rotation are essential to breaking the lifecycle of cabbage worms and ensuring your garden remains productive.
