How To Get Rid Of Green Worms On Collard Greens

Getting rid of green worms on collard greens starts with knowing exactly what you’re dealing with.
 
Those little green worms are usually cabbage loopers or imported cabbageworms, and they love munching on collard greens almost as much as you love eating them.
 
The good news is that you can get rid of green worms on collard greens without drenching your garden in harsh chemicals.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to identify these pests, how to remove them safely, and how to keep them from coming back to your collard greens.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Green Worms Love Collard Greens

Green worms on collard greens show up because collards are basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for them.
 

1. Collard Greens Are a Favorite Host Plant

Cabbage loopers and cabbageworms are the larvae of small white moths.
 
Those moths lay their eggs on the undersides of collard leaves because they know the hatchlings will have plenty to eat.
 
Collard greens belong to the brassica family, which is the same family as cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
 
That’s why green worms on collard greens are so common compared to other garden crops.
 

2. The Damage They Cause

These green worms chew irregular holes through the leaves of your collard greens.
 
If you don’t catch them early, they can skeletonize entire leaves, leaving behind nothing but stems.
 
They also leave behind dark green droppings that can ruin the look and taste of your harvest.
 

3. Their Color Makes Them Hard to Spot

The biggest reason green worms on collard greens go unnoticed is their color.
 
Their bright green bodies blend perfectly with the leaves, so you often don’t see them until the damage is done.
 
This is why checking your collard greens regularly is so important.
 

How to Get Rid of Green Worms on Collard Greens Naturally

Getting rid of green worms on collard greens doesn’t have to mean reaching for the strongest chemical you can find.
 
Here are the most effective natural methods.
 

1. Handpick Them Off

The simplest way to get rid of green worms on collard greens is to pick them off by hand.
 
Head out to the garden in the early morning or late evening when the worms are most active.
 
Check the undersides of the leaves, along the veins, and in the folds where they like to hide.
 
Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them quickly.
 

2. Spray with Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)

Bt is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that’s toxic to green worms but safe for people, pets, and beneficial insects.
 
When a green worm on collard greens eats a leaf sprayed with Bt, it stops feeding and dies within a few days.
 
Spray your collard greens in the evening and reapply after rain or every few days until the worms are gone.
 

3. Use Neem Oil

Neem oil is another go-to for getting rid of green worms on collard greens.
 
It disrupts the worm’s feeding and reproductive cycle, so it can’t keep munching on your collard greens.
 
Mix neem oil with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray the leaves thoroughly, especially the undersides.
 

4. Introduce Beneficial Insects

Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps all prey on green worms.
 
Encouraging these helpful insects in your garden is a long-term way to keep green worms on collard greens under control.
 
Plant flowers like dill, fennel, and marigolds nearby to attract them.
 

5. Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae.
 
When sprinkled on collard greens, it cuts into the soft bodies of green worms and dehydrates them.
 
Just reapply after rain or watering since it loses its effectiveness when wet.
 

How to Prevent Green Worms from Coming Back to Your Collard Greens

Getting rid of green worms on collard greens is only half the battle.
 
Here’s how to keep them from returning.
 

1. Use Row Covers

Floating row covers physically block the moths from laying eggs on your collard greens.
 
Lay the covers over your plants right after planting and secure the edges so nothing can sneak under.
 

2. Rotate Your Crops

Don’t plant collard greens in the same spot year after year.
 
Rotating with non-brassica crops breaks the pest’s life cycle and reduces the chance of green worms on collard greens.
 

3. Inspect Your Collard Greens Weekly

Regular inspection is the easiest way to catch green worms on collard greens before they multiply.
 
Check both sides of the leaves at least once a week and remove any eggs or worms you find.
 

4. Keep the Garden Clean

Remove plant debris and weeds around your collard greens at the end of the season.
 
Leftover plant matter gives green worms and moths a place to overwinter and come back stronger next year.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid of Green Worms on Collard Greens?

You get rid of green worms on collard greens by handpicking them, spraying with Bt or neem oil, and using preventive tools like row covers and crop rotation.
 
The key is to act early and stay consistent with your inspections.
 
Do that, and your collard greens will stay healthy, leafy, and worm-free all season long.