Best Cutworm Collars

These three stand out in the product table above for different budgets and needs.

Best overall: the Fshow Slug & Snail Collars,30pcs Snail Garden Cloches, around $37, is our first choice from the table.

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Best value: the 10 Pcs Garden Cloches, around $18, is the lowest priced of these three.

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Also great: the Cinnvoice 25 Pack Slug Snail Plant Collars, around $30, is another strong option with a different set of features.

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A collar needs to extend at least an inch below the soil surface and two to three inches above it, since cutworms attack right at ground level and can sometimes work around a collar that only sits on top of the soil. Skipping the buried portion significantly reduces effectiveness against this specific pest.

Taller collars also help protect against cutworms that climb slightly up a stem rather than only feeding at the exact soil line.

Cardboard tubes, often repurposed from toilet paper or paper towel rolls, work well as a low cost, biodegradable option that breaks down naturally as the plant establishes and no longer needs protection. Plastic collars last longer and can be reused season after season but require manual removal once seedlings outgrow the need for protection.

Choosing the best cutworm collars material often comes down to whether you prefer a disposable, no maintenance option or a reusable one that saves money over multiple seasons.

A collar with enough interior diameter to avoid touching the stem directly prevents rubbing damage as the plant grows and sways in wind, while one too tight can actually girdle a stem over time. Slightly oversized collars accommodate stem growth better than snug fitting ones.

For plants with unusually thick or fast growing stems, checking collar fit periodically in the first few weeks helps catch any tightness before it becomes a problem.

Cutworms primarily threaten young, tender seedlings, so collars generally only need to stay in place for the first three to four weeks after transplanting, once stems have thickened and hardened enough to resist typical cutworm feeding.

Removing plastic collars once the risk period passes prevents any long term interference with stem growth, while biodegradable cardboard collars can often be left to break down naturally without removal.

How deep should a cutworm collar be buried?

Burying the collar at least an inch below the soil surface is generally recommended, since cutworms feed right at ground level and can work around a collar that only sits on top of the soil.

Can cutworm collars be made from household items?

Yes, cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls, cut to length, work well as an inexpensive, biodegradable option for individual seedling protection.

How long do cutworm collars need to stay in place?

Generally three to four weeks after transplanting is sufficient, since cutworms primarily threaten young, tender seedlings rather than plants with thickened, established stems.

Do cutworm collars work for all vegetable seedlings?

Yes, they work for most transplanted seedlings, particularly tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas, which are commonly targeted by cutworms in home gardens.

What is the difference between cutworm damage and other pest damage?

Cutworm damage typically appears as a stem severed cleanly near soil level, with the plant toppled or completely detached, distinct from chewed leaves or partial stem damage caused by other pests.

Can plastic collars be reused season after season?

Yes, plastic collars can generally be cleaned and reused for multiple seasons, making them a more cost effective long term option compared to repeatedly sourcing cardboard alternatives.

Cutworm collars are a low cost, chemical free way to protect vulnerable young seedlings during their most at risk weeks. Bury them properly, size them for stem clearance, and remove or let them break down once plants are established.