How to Stop Bugs from Eating My Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy addition to any garden, but keeping them free from bugs can be a challenge. Insects such as aphids, cutworms, and flea beetles can damage or even destroy tomato plants if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to protect your tomato plants from these pests without resorting to harmful chemicals. Here are some proven methods for keeping bugs from eating your tomato plants:

1. Use Companion Planting

Companion planting is a method of planting different types of plants together to help each other grow and ward off pests. One effective combination for protecting tomato plants is to plant marigolds around them. Marigolds produce a strong scent that repels insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Tomatoes and basil also make good companions, as basil can repel thrips and tomato hornworms.

2. Encourage Beneficial Insects

Not all insects are harmful to your tomato plants. Some, such as ladybugs and lacewings, feed on the insects that do damage to your garden. Attracting these beneficial insects can help you control pest populations naturally. To encourage ladybugs, plant dill, fennel, or coreopsis. To attract lacewings, plant goldenrod or asters.

3. Use Organic Pest Sprays

If your tomato plants are already infested with pests, you may need to use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the population. These organic sprays are made from natural ingredients and are safe for humans and pets. Simply dilute the spray in water and apply it to the affected area of the plant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damaging your plants.

4. Use Physical Barriers

Protecting your tomato plants with physical barriers such as row covers or netting can help you keep bugs at bay. Lightweight row covers made from spun polypropylene can provide a barrier against insect pests while still allowing sunlight and air to reach your plants. Netting can be useful for preventing birds from eating your tomatoes as well.

5. Practice Good Garden Hygiene

Keeping your garden clean and tidy can help prevent pests from taking hold. Remove any weeds, fallen leaves, or dead plant material from your garden on a regular basis. These can provide hiding places and breeding grounds for insect pests. Also, be sure to rotate your crops each year to prevent buildup of pest populations in one area of your garden.

By combining these methods, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and free from pests without relying on harmful chemicals. With a little effort and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, healthy tomatoes all season long!