Introduction

Tomato plant worms, also known as tomato hornworms, are the bane of many gardeners' existence. These pesky caterpillars can strip a tomato plant of its leaves and fruit in no time. Fortunately, there are several natural methods for getting rid of tomato plant worms.

Handpicking

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get rid of tomato plant worms is to handpick them off the plant. Simply look for the large, green caterpillars on your tomato plant and gently remove them by hand. You can then dispose of them by dropping them into a bucket of soapy water or by feeding them to your backyard chickens.

Attract Beneficial Insects

Another natural solution for getting rid of tomato plant worms is to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Ladybugs, lacewings, and braconid wasps are all natural predators of tomato hornworms. You can attract these insects to your garden by planting flowers such as marigolds, cosmos, and daisies.

Use Bacillus Thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacteria that is toxic to tomato hornworms. You can purchase Bt at your local garden center and apply it to your tomato plant according to the package instructions. Bt is safe for humans and pets, but it is important to not overuse it as it can harm beneficial insects as well.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of planting complementary plants together in order to improve growth and deter pests. In the case of tomato plants, planting them alongside herbs such as basil, parsley, and cilantro can help deter tomato hornworms.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is toxic to tomato hornworms. You can purchase neem oil at your local garden center and apply it to your tomato plant according to the package instructions. Neem oil is safe for humans and pets, but it is important to not overuse it as it can harm beneficial insects as well.

Conclusion

Tomato plant worms can be a frustrating pest for gardeners, but with these natural methods, you can keep them under control without the use of harmful chemicals. Remember to always follow package instructions when applying any type of pest control, and to not overuse these solutions to avoid harming beneficial insects in your garden.