Introduction

Caterpillars are a common pest that can infest tomato plants in the UK. These creatures can quickly munch through the foliage and fruits of your plants, causing significant damage to your garden. The good news, however, is that there are many ways to get rid of caterpillars on tomato plants without using harmful chemicals.

Identifying Caterpillars on Tomato Plants

The first step to getting rid of caterpillars on your tomato plants is to identify them. The most common types of caterpillars that infest tomato plants in the UK are the Tomato Hornworm, the Tobacco Cutworm, and the Armyworm. You can identify these caterpillars by their size, color, and markings.

How to Get Rid of Caterpillars on Tomato Plants

Handpicking

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get rid of caterpillars on tomato plants is to handpick them off of the plant. This may be time-consuming, but it is a very effective method. You can simply pick the caterpillars off by hand and either drop them into a bucket of soapy water or squish them between your fingers.

Natural predators

Another way to get rid of caterpillars is to attract natural predators such as birds and wasps to your garden. Birds such as blue tits and great tits feed on caterpillars, while parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside the body of the caterpillar, which eventually kills it. You can attract these predators by providing birdhouses and leaving some wildflowers in your garden.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms that can be very effective in getting rid of caterpillars. When sprinkled onto the tomato plants, diatomaceous earth dehydrates and kills the caterpillars. Be sure to apply the powder to the undersides of the leaves as well, where caterpillars are likely to hide.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is another natural remedy that is effective against caterpillars. It is a plant-based oil that is applied to tomato plants that will repel and kill the caterpillars. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with a few drops of dish soap and a gallon of water, and spray it on the tomato plants in the evening when the pollinators are not active.

Preventing Caterpillar Infestations

Preventing caterpillar infestations is also a key aspect of keeping your tomato plants healthy. Here are a few things you can do to stop the caterpillars from infesting your tomato plants:

Companion planting

Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants next to each other in the hopes of benefiting one or both of them. One important concept of companion planting is planting insect-repelling plants like marigolds and garlic near your tomato plants, which may repel caterpillars.

Row covers

Row covers are a lightweight fabric that you can use to cover your tomato plants. This will prevent adult moths from laying their eggs on your plants and creating catepillar problems.

Proper watering

Proper watering is important for avoiding caterpillar issues. Caterpillars prefer plants that are weakened or stressed. Ensure that you are not over or under watering your tomato plants.

Conclusion

Caterpillars can be a frustrating and destructive problem for tomato gardeners in the UK, but effective and natural solutions are available. Be vigilant and proactive to prevent infestations and maintain healthy tomato plants throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!