Cutworms
PestLarvae curl at the soil line and clip stems at night; plants look “cut” and topple.
Often on
Newly set tomatoes, peppers, and many direct-sown crops.
Symptom tags
Signs in the garden
- Healthy transplants suddenly wilted at the base with chewing scars.
- Gray/brown caterpillars just under soil surface near the stem.
What often helps (general)
- Collars (cardboard, foil) around stems at transplant.
- Weed control a week before planting reduces alternate hosts.
- Set transplants slightly deeper where appropriate for the crop.
When to escalate
If entire rows fail repeatedly, confirm it is not damping-off or voles before choosing soil treatments.