How Do Hornworms Get Into My Container Tomato Plants?

Container gardening is a convenient way to grow tomato plants in a limited space. However, container-grown tomatoes are not entirely free from pests, and hornworms are one of the common tomato pests that can infest container tomato plants. In this article, we will explore how hornworms get into your container tomato plants and how to prevent and control them.

Hornworms: Overview

Hornworms are large green caterpillars with a horn-like protrusion on their rear end. There are two types of hornworms that can attack tomato plants: Tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) and Tomato hornworms (Manduca quinquemaculata). Both are voracious eaters and can quickly defoliate a tomato plant if left uncontrolled.

How Do Hornworms Get Into Container Tomato Plants?

Hornworms are not airborne, so they cannot fly into your container tomato plants. However, they can crawl or drop onto your plants from nearby vegetation. Hornworms are attracted to the scent of tomato plants and can detect them from a distance. Therefore, if you have other plants like peppers, eggplants, or potatoes near your container tomato plants, hornworms can move from one plant to another.

Hornworm eggs can also be present on your tomato transplants when you purchase them from a nursery. The eggs are tiny and green and can be difficult to spot. However, once they hatch, the tiny caterpillars can quickly grow and start feeding on your tomato plants.

Preventing Hornworms from Infesting Your Container Tomato Plants

The best way to prevent hornworms from infesting your container tomato plants is to create a barrier between your plants and the outside environment. Here are some tips to follow:

Choose a location for your container tomato plants with minimal exposure to nearby vegetation.

Cover your container tomato plants with a floating row cover or insect mesh to prevent hornworms from landing on your plants.

Inspect your tomato transplants carefully before planting to ensure they are free from eggs or larvae.

Remove any hornworms you find on your tomato plants by handpicking them and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water.

Controlling Hornworms on Your Container Tomato Plants

If hornworms have already infested your container tomato plants, there are a few methods you can use to control them:

Spray your plants with an organic insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad. These insecticides are safe to use and will kill hornworms when they ingest them.

Introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps, lacewings, or ladybugs into your garden. These beneficial insects will feed on hornworms and help keep their population under control.

Use a homemade solution of chili powder, garlic, and dish soap sprayed on your plants to repel hornworms.

Conclusion

Hornworms can be a frustrating pest to deal with in your container tomato garden. However, by following the preventive measures outlined in this article, you can reduce the risk of infestation and keep your tomato plants healthy and fruitful.