You've got me. Are you talking about cutworms or June bug larva in the soil? I don't know too much about chemical stuff, since I don't use anything in my yard.

Susan

I am talking about cutworms. One section of my garden has a consistent problem. I have identified mature cut worms (ing the spring), but usually just find young plants with no stems or foliage. I also have June bug larva throughout the yard, but don't think they have been on issue. I'd rather try a biological control, than a chemical one. Especially, since the biological control will die, once there are no more hosts in my yard.

I just use matchstick made of wood. I put three around each stem. This keeps the cutworm from being able to get around the stem and cut it off.
Beerhog

Great idea Beerhog. I had heard of putting a nail right next to the little transplant, or a paper/cardboard collar, but I like the match stick (or other stick method) as it should be the easiest.

Moni

That, or if you drink any kind of juice or colas, or water, for that matter, you can just cut a collar from the plastic and put it around your small plants and protect them from cutworms that way, too.

You may be thinking of of diotomaceous earth (DE) will work also. Just sprinkle around the plant. It is made up of very fine particles of a naturally occurring mineral derived from microscopic fossilized remains of marine diatoms. Wear a mask while you are pouring it on, because it does tend to infiltrate the atmosphere until it settles down. Make sure you buy the one that is for gardening and NOT swimming pools.

Susan