What Has Eaten My Tomato Plants

If you are a gardener, you know the frustration of discovering that your tomato plants have been eaten. Those plants that you have nurtured for weeks or even months, only to find them ruined by some mysterious predator. But what could be responsible for the damage and how can you prevent it from happening again?

The Culprits

There are a number of potential culprits that could be responsible for eating your tomato plants. The most common include:

Slugs and snails

Cutworms

Hornworms

Caterpillars

Raccoons and other larger animals

While it can be difficult to determine which of these pests is responsible for the damage, there are some clues you can look for to help identify the culprit.

Signs of Damage

The type of damage that your tomato plants have suffered can give you some hints about which pest is responsible. For example, slugs and snails will leave slime trails and may also leave behind tiny holes in the leaves. Cutworms, on the other hand, will chew through the stems of young plants, causing them to topple over. Hornworms and caterpillars will eat large sections of leaves, while larger animals may leave behind visible tracks and droppings.

Prevention and Control

Preventing damage to your tomato plants is always preferable to trying to control pests after they have already taken up residence in your garden. Here are some strategies for preventing and controlling pest damage:

Plant companion plants that repel pests

Use row covers to protect young plants

Handpick pests and drop them into soapy water

Apply natural pest control products, such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth

Encourage natural predators, such as birds and predatory insects, to take up residence in your garden

With a little bit of effort and some strategic planning, you can protect your tomato plants from pests and ensure that you get a delicious harvest come summer.