Aluminum cutworm collars - any problem?
We have a problem with cutworms. I've been making collars for the plants out of aluminum flashing. I have seen some discussion of a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. I have eliminated aluminum cookware and anti-perspirants for that reason. Is there any problem with aluminum cutworm collars contaminating the soil? Maybe I should paint them, to prevent soil contact and oxidation?
Comments
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@Mark Baker What I have heard is to put a toothpick down along the stem of the plant, so that the cut worms can't cut it through.
I put one on either side.
This way, it would not matter about aluminum & is compostable friendly, building your soil one toothpick at a time. 😄
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I had heard of using plastic forks and placing them next to the plants to keep the cutworms off of them. Think I like the toothpick idea better. Not fond of putting a bunch of plastic in the soil.
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I should add that I leave the toothpick poking above the soil.
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Most years we just sprinkle cornmeal around our plants; it seems to deter the cutworms. We refresh it after every rain. I don't recall where we got the idea from, but we've been doing that for years.
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For different things such as worms, snails and slugs I use diatomaceous earth.
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@Annie Kate I forgot about cornmeal!
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