Introduction

Tomato plants are a beloved addition to many home gardens because of their delicious fruits, but they are often plagued by pests such as green worms. These little critters are voracious eaters and can quickly cause damage to your plants if not dealt with promptly. In this article, we'll explore how green worms get on tomato plants and what you can do to keep them at bay.

What Are Green Worms?

When people refer to "green worms," they are usually talking about one of two species: the tomato hornworm or the cabbage looper. The tomato hornworm is a large green caterpillar that can grow up to 4 inches long and has a distinctive black "horn" on its tail. The cabbage looper is a smaller green caterpillar that has a looping way of moving, giving it its name.

How Do They Get on Tomato Plants?

Green worms often lay their eggs on the underside of tomato plant leaves, so that's where they get their start. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars start eating their way through the leaves and stems of the plant. They can also burrow into the fruit of the tomato, causing unsightly damage and making the fruit inedible.

How Can You Protect Your Tomato Plants from Green Worms?

Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to keep green worms from damaging your tomato plants. The first is to inspect your plants regularly for signs of infestation. Look for chewed leaves or holes in the fruit, as well as any caterpillars themselves.

To prevent green worms from laying their eggs on your plants, you can cover them with lightweight row covers or netting. These will keep the moths from getting to your plants to lay their eggs. You can also try organic insecticides or repellents, such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth.

Finally, if you do find caterpillars on your plants, you can remove them by hand. Wear gloves and carefully pick them off the plant, then drop them into soapy water to kill them. You can also encourage natural predators of green worms, such as birds or beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings, to take up residence in your garden.

Conclusion

Green worms can be a frustrating pest to deal with in your tomato garden, but with a little diligence and some preventive measures, you can keep them at bay. Regular inspection, row covers or netting, and natural or organic insecticides are all effective ways to protect your tomato plants from caterpillar damage. By taking these steps, you can ensure a bountiful crop of delicious, healthy tomatoes for your family to enjoy.