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Protecting Tomato Seedlings from Cutworms: When to Remove Collars

Cutworm collars (cans) protect young tomatoes. Keep them until stems toughen (about 3-4 weeks after transplant). Diatomaceous earth around plants adds ongoing protection.

Cutworm Collar Timeline

Install at transplanting.
Remove when stem diameter exceeds ¼ inch and plant is 8-10 inches tall.
Apply diatomaceous earth in a ring around base for continued defense.

Diatomaceous earth is safe for plants but deters soft-bodied pests.

Growing Vegetables: When to Plant Shipped Perennials in Zone 7 Baltimore; How to Tell When Cantaloupe Is Ripe; Understanding and Preventing Blossom-End Rot in Tomatoes; Controlling Tomato Hornworms Organically; When to Plant Tomatoes: Timing for a Bountiful Harvest; When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors: Complete Timing Guide for Maximum Harvest; Composting Tomato Plants: When It's Safe and How to Do It Right; Composting Tomato Plants: When It's Safe and How to Do It Right; When to Direct-Sow Heirloom Tomato Seeds Outdoors; When to Pick Tomatoes: Breaker Stage (Half Green, Half Pink) for Best Flavor

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